Treating Meniere’s Disease: Surgery
For severe Meniere’s that doesn’t respond to other types of treatment, draining or removing part or all of the ear’s balance canals may be recommended.
Surgical Procedures
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Endolymphatic sac decompression. A small amount of bone is removed from around the endolymphatic sac, and tubing may be placed in the sac. This may help relieve pressure on the sac.
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Vestibular neurectomy. The nerve from the balance portion of the ear is cut so the brain doesn’t receive signals that trigger a vertigo attack. Usually, the brain readjusts in a short time to only one ear regulating balance.
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Labyrinthectomy. The entire balance canal is removed, eliminating balance and hearing in that ear. The brain can usually adjust to one ear regulating balance, but can’t compensate for lost hearing, so this procedure is usually done only in people with little or no hearing in the affected ear.
Risks and Complications
Your doctor can discuss these and other surgical procedures with you. If surgery is the best option for you, your doctor can tell you how to prepare and describe what will happen during and after the procedure. Your doctor can discuss risks and benefits in more detail.
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Publication Source:
Harris JP, Conn's Current Therapy 2007, 59th ed., Ménière's disease, 2007, pp 227-232
Publication Source:
Schessel DA, Minor LB, Nedzelski J, Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, 4th ed., Chapter 142 - Ménière's disease and other peripheral vestibular disorders, 2005, pp 3219-3222
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ryan, Matthew W., MD
Date Last Reviewed:
6/12/2004
Date Last Modified:
9/4/2008