Sac-vein decompression for intractable Meniere's disease: two-year treatment results

Surgical intervention has been offered to patients with Meniere's disease who have failed medical treatment and have disabling symptoms. Surgical options have included labyrinthectomy (mechanical and chemical), vestibular neurectomy, and endolymphatic sac surgery with or without shunting. We present a modification of endolymphatic sac decompression surgery that includes wide decompression of the sigmoid sinus, posterior cranial fossa dura, and endolymphatic sac (sac-vein decompression). Thirty-five patients underwent 37 primary procedures with 2 years of follow-up. Patients were evaluated according to the 1985 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria for assessing Meniere's disease. Vestibular symptom severity was resolved or mild in 92% and disability severity was none or mild in 95% of patients at 2 years after surgery. Vertigo control was complete or substantial in 85% and 100% of patients at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Audiologic data showed stable or improved hearing in 86% and 85% of patients at 1 and 2 years after surgery. In summary, wide decompression of the sigmoid sinus, posterior cranial fossa dura, and endolymphatic sac offers improved control of vertigo and hearing stabilization for intractable Meniere's disease compared with simple endolymphatic sac decompression or shunt surgery.