The Portmann procedure after sixty years

This article recalls the technique described by Georges Portmann in 1926 for the opening of the endolymphatic sac in cases of Meniere's disease. Criteria of indication used at the time are critically analyzed. Modifications of the original operation proposed by various authors, particularly those of T. Naito, W. House, A.W. Morrison, and I.K. Arenberg, are then described. Finally, the current technique and indication criteria implemented in Bordeaux are analyzed, with stress on electrocochleographic determination of the summation potential and its disappearance under the effect of glycerol. According to the author, these latest examination techniques contribute to improving results by providing a better selection of cases likely to be treated by the opening of the endolymphatic sac.