Retrosigmoid intracanalicular vestibular nerve section: an alternative surgical approach for Menière's disease

Selective vestibular nerve section has been shown to be an extremely effective treatment for control of vertigo in Menière's disease. In recent years the retrolabyrinthine approach has popularized this form of treatment. An alternative to the retrolabyrinthine approach is presented. It consists of a retrosigmoid intracanalicular dissection, and approach used for acoustic neuroma surgery. A review of the surgical technique, the rationale for its selection over the retrolabyrinthine approach, and the initial results and operative complications during its first eighteen months of use are presented.