Intraoperative electrocochleography during endolymphatic sac surgery: clinical results

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Audiology

Background:

• Endolymphatic shunt surgery is a treatment for Meniere's disease.
• Intraoperative electrocochleography (ECoG) assesses inner ear function during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between intraoperative electrocochleography findings and symptom control after endolymphatic shunt surgery.
• To assess the impact of surgery on hearing and dizziness.
• To determine the utility of intraoperative ECoG in guiding surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-eight patients undergoing endolymphatic shunt surgery were included.
• Intraoperative electrocochleography was performed during the procedure.
• Patients were assessed for symptom control (dizziness) and hearing outcomes post-surgery with an average follow-up of 2 years.

Main Results:

• Complete or substantial dizziness control was achieved in 95% of patients.
• Intraoperative ECoG potential improved in 42%, worsened in 32%, and unchanged in 26%.
• No significant correlation was found between ECoG improvement and dizziness control, though a trend was observed with hearing improvement.

Conclusions:

• Endolymphatic shunt surgery is highly effective for dizziness control.
• Intraoperative electrocochleography may not directly predict dizziness outcomes but could assist in surgical localization.
• Further research is needed to clarify the role of intraoperative ECoG in optimizing surgical outcomes and preserving hearing.