Vestibular neurectomy and saccus decompression surgery in Meniere's disease

Results of vestibular neurectomy, total eighth nerve section, and saccus decompression in 42 patients with Meniere's disease are reported. Vestibular nerve section was found in isolated cases to be a very effective method of abolishing the symptom of vertigo. Hearing is not affected but may be lost owing to opening of the vertical canal or disruption of blood supply. Saccus surgery might be the surgical treatment of choice in early cases with good hearing but in patients with fixed non-fluctuating hearing loss, rehabilitation can be effected only by vestibular neurectomy. In bilateral cases either sac surgery or the use of vestibulotoxic drugs is advised.