Endolymphatic Sac Surgery in Refractory Ménière's Disease: Exploratory Associations and Postoperative Clinical Outcomes in a Bicentric Cohort.

Is Endolymphatic Sac Surgery Beneficial For Meniere's Disease?

BackgroundMeniere's disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder, characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo, low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Endolymphatic sac surgery is an effective treatment to control vertigo attacks but without causing a hearing loss for intractable MD. However, the methods and effects of endolymphatic sac surgery have been controversial for many years, and the relationship between the vertigo control rates of different endolymphatic sac surgery methods is not well-documented.ObjectivesThis study compared the vertigo control rate, hearing outcome, and quality of life (QOL) among different endolymphatic sac surgery, such as local endolymphatic sac decompression (LESD), endolymphatic sac mastoid shunt (ESMS), and wide endolymphatic sac decompression (WESD).Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent endolymphatic sac surgery from January 2008 to June 2019. The control rate of vertigo and QOL scores were compared after 2 years of follow-up. The QOL was scored with validation of the MD patient-oriented symptom-severity index (MDPOSI). The pure tone thresholds of all patients at pre- and postoperation were also compared.ResultsIn total, 83 MD patients with complete follow-up data were included in the study, i.e., 20 patients with LESD, 28 patients with ESMS, and 35 patients with WESD. Results showed a better vertigo control with WESD than the other groups (70% with LESD, 71.4% with ESMS, and 88.6% with WESD). The QOL was improved after surgery in all groups in which the difference was statistically significant (QOL, preoperative vs. postoperative, 38.2 vs. 10.1 with LESD, 37.8 vs. 9.6 with ESMS, and 37.6 vs. 8.3 with WESD), respectively. After endolymphatic sac surgery, the hearing was well-preserved in the three groups [pure tone averages (PTAs), dB, preoperative vs. postoperative, 41.0 ± 19.3 vs. 40.8 ± 17.9 with LESD, 39.7 ± 16.4 vs. 40.8 ± 18.2 with ESMS, and 38.5 ± 18.7 vs. 36.6 ± 19.5 with WESD].ConclusionWide endolymphatic sac decompression has a higher vertigo control rate, better improvement of QOL, and relatively higher hearing stability or improvement rate after surgery in patients with MD compared with LESD and ESMS.

We aimed to compare the efficacy of intratympanic and surgical interventions in the management of patients with refractory Meniere disease (MD). Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials up to April 2025. The PRISMA guideline and PICO statement were used. The hearing preservation and vertigo control rate were compared between intratympanic gentamicin (ITGI), intratympanic corticosteroids (ITSI), vestibular nerve section (VNS), and endolymphatic sac surgery (ELSS). Classification of vertigo control rate was based on the AAO-HNS (1995) guideline, and the hearing outcome was assessed by the differences in the mean SDS percentage and PTA threshold before and after interventions. In total, 16 studies including 853 participants met the inclusion criteria. VNS had significantly better outcomes of PTA and SDS than ITGI (change of PTA = MD: -16.9dB, P -value: 0.002; change of SDS = MD: 15.64%, P -value: 0.001). As for comparisons of ELSS or ITSI with ITGI, no significant differences were found ( P > 0.05). VNS had numerically higher, but not statistically significant, vertigo control rate than ITGI (RR: 1.39, P -value: 0.57). ITGI demonstrated higher control rate than ELSS and ITSI, while only the difference between ITGI and ITSI was statistically significant (RR: 2.7, P -value: 001). VNS is the most effective option, which can be considered for patients who fail other treatments. ITGI was more effective than ELSS and ITSI in vertigo control, but it should be applied at low doses due to its ototoxic side effects.

To evaluate objective vestibular function after endolymphatic sac surgery (ELSS) for Menière's disease (MD), using comparative vestibular function tests: videonystagmography (VNG), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) and video head-impulse test (VHIT) METHODS: Patients with definite MD using the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) of 1995 criteria modified in 2015 and treated with ELSS (sac decompression or sac opening) were included. The primary outcome was the preservation of vestibular function, comparing pre- and postoperative vestibular function tests: VNG, VEMP, VHIT. Secondary outcomes were control of episodes of vertigo, hearing outcome using AAO-HNS criteria, and QoL using the Menière's disease outcome questionnaire. 73 patients were included in the study. We found a significant preservation of vestibular function as measured by VNG and VHIT. There was no statistical difference in the presence or absence of cervical and ocular (P13/N23 and N1/P1) waves on VEMP pre- and postoperatively. 67% of patients had good control of episodes of vertigo post-operatively, with significantly better results in the sac opening group (75%). There was no significant change in hearing postoperatively, and QoL scores were significantly improved after surgery (p < 0.0001). Endolymphatic sac surgery (ELSS) is a conservative surgical treatment, which does not negatively impact vestibular function. It was associated with improved control of episodes of vertigo, preservation of hearing, and a clear improvement in QoL scores. Despite its pathophysiology not being fully understood, it remains a first-line procedure preserving vestibular function, for MD refractory to medical management.

To evaluate preoperative predictive factors 2years after endolymphatic sac surgery (ESS) in patients with Ménière's disease (MD). A retrospective single-center study included patients who underwent ESS between 2015 and 2022, with unilateral MD according to the criteria of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) as revised in 2015, and resistant to first-line medical treatment. The main study endpoint was the incidence of postoperative vertigo episodes. Secondary endpoints comprised hearing preservation at 2years and surgical efficacy. Thirty-eight patients were included. Significant vertigo control was achieved in 63% (n=24). No predictive factors were identified for vertigo control or improvement in quality of life. Pure-tone and speech audiometric results were preserved at 2years. Whether the endolymphatic sac was sectioned or not did not significantly impact surgical outcome. No predictive factors for successful ESS emerged. ESS is a conservative second-line surgical treatment, with key indications for bilateral MD or MD in patients with preserved hearing.

Endolymphatic sac surgery for Meniere's disease was criticized by Thomsen et al. in 1981 using a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They concluded that the effect of endolymphatic sac surgery was placebo. However, Welling et al. pointed out recently that Thomsen et al. used an inappropriate statistical analysis in that paper, and reevaluated the effect of endolymphatic sac surgery in 2000. In order to reevaluate endolymphatic sac surgery, we studied the long-term results of vertigo and hearing after endolymphatic sac surgery. Endolymphatic sac surgery controlled vertigo in 70-80% of patients. Concerning hearing endolymphatic sac surgery maintained the preoperative hearing level to at least 6 years after surgery; however, the hearing level deteriorated gradually after 7 years, likely to return to the natural history of Meniere's disease. It was concluded that endolymphatic sac surgery was effective in controlling vertigo and maintaining the hearing level, and that it did not have a placebo effect.

PurposeThe focus on treating patients with Menière’s Disease (MD) lies on the reduction of vertigo attacks and the preservation of sensory function. Endolympathic hydrops is considered as an epiphenomenon in MD, which can potentially be altered by endolymphatic sac surgery (ESS). Purpose of the study was to investigate the influences on vertigo control through manipulation of the perilymphatic system with or without ESS.MethodsRetrospective data analysis of 86 consecutive patients with MD according to current diagnostic criteria after endolymphatic sac surgery alone (ESSalone; n = 45), cochlear implantation (CI) alone (CIalone; n = 12), and ESS with CI (ESS + CI; n = 29), treated at a tertiary referral center. Main Outcome Measures: vertigo control, speech perception pre- and postoperatively.ResultsGender, side, and preoperative treatment were similar in all groups. Age was younger in the ESSalone-group with 56.2 ± 13.0 years (CIalone = 64.2 ± 11.4 years; ESS + CI = 63.1 ± 9.7 years). Definitive MD was present in all the CIalone, in 79.3% of the ESS + CI and in 59.6% of the ESSalone-patients. Likewise, vertigo control rate was 100% in the CIalone, 89.7% in the ESS + CI and 66.0% in the ESSalone-group.ConclusionsVertigo control was improved in all three groups, however, superior in groups treated with CI, potentially contributed by the manipulation of both the endo- and perilymphatic systems. A more systematic characterization of the patients with larger case numbers and documentation of follow up data would be needed to evaluate a clinical effect more properly.

To examine the indications and applications of inner ear perfusion in the treatment of common otologic diseases, including Meniere disease, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and autoimmune inner ear disease. The number of surgical procedures, including vestibular neurectomy, labyrinthectomy, and endolymphatic sac surgery, decreased during the 1990s. Intratympanic gentamicin therapy has become the most frequently performed invasive procedure for treatment of Meniere disease. Reports on successful control of vertigo in patients with Meniere disease have ranged from 71.4 to 100%. There is a correlation between the degree of vestibular ablation in transtympanic gentamicin, the control of vertigo, and the risk of hearing loss. Patients with less than 75% ice-reduced vestibular response had a statistically lower risk of hearing loss, but they had a higher rate of persistent vertigo than patients with 100% reduced vestibular response. One hundred percent reduced vestibular response may not be indicative of complete vestibular ablation and may not be necessary for control of vertigo symptoms. In preliminary studies, inner ear perfusion of methylprednisolone in patients with severe, profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss who fail to respond to standard treatment is beneficial, with improvement in hearing thresholds of 16 to 25 dB and dramatic improvement in speech discrimination scores. No immunosuppressive medication has been found effective in suppressing inner ear inflammatory infiltrates or reducing hearing loss in an animal model. Transtympanic chemical perfusion of the inner ear is safe, inexpensive, and easily performed by an otologic surgeon. With inner ear perfusion, high inner ear concentrations of medication can be achieved, and systemic side effects are minimized.

Results for control of vertigo and preservation of hearing in patients who have had a retrolabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy (RVN) by our group were analyzed retrospectively. This procedure consists of selective section of the vestibular nerve in the posterior cranial fossa. Vertigo was completely controlled in all but two of 31 patients, one of whom required revision surgery to control attacks. Analysis of these two cases suggests that the cause of persistent vertigo is incomplete neurectomy. With our current surgical technique in patients with Meniere's disease, hearing results were not statistically different from our results with surgery of the endolymphatic sac. Control of vertigo was much more successful with the RVN than endolymphatic sac surgery.

Introduction: Surgical treatment of Ménière’s disease (MD) and deafness aims to treat vertigo and hearing disabilities. Current treatment options like labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation (CI) have shown acceptable results but are destructive. Less destructive procedures, like the occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal and endolymphatic sac surgery, have been shown to be successful in vertigo control. The combination of both procedures with CI has not been investigated; therefore the objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of this combination in patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: In this retrospective study, 10 patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss were included. In all of them, a single-staged surgery, which consisted of CI, endolymphatic sac surgery, and occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, was performed. The surgery was performed after a failed conservative therapy trial. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and audiological tests. These were assessed preoperatively, 3 and 6 months after surgery. An MRI with a hydrops sequence was performed to support the clinical diagnosis. Results: After the combined surgery, the mean DHI testing improved significantly from 71 to 30. Mean audiological monosyllabic speech testing outcome with the cochlea implant was 65% at 65 dB. The residual hearing of 2 patients could be preserved after the surgical procedure. Conclusion: The combination of occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, endolymphatic sac surgery, and CI is an efficient low traumatic treatment for patients with a single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss.

Conclusions. Interval treatment with up to three intratympanic gentamicin injections once weekly effectively controlled vertigo while preserving hearing in patients with Ménière's disease and recurrent or resistant vertigo after saccotomy. Objectives. Recurrent or resistant incapacitating vertigo may occur after endolymphatic sac surgery (saccotomy) in patients with Ménière's disease. In these patients, revision saccotomy, vestibular nerve section or labyrinthectomy are the established treatment options. We advocate a once-weekly application of intratympanic gentamicin (12 mg) as an effective alternative in this group of patients. Material and methods. Five patients (age range 39–65 years) with definite Ménière's disease according to the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO—HNS) criteria and incapacitating vertigo underwent gentamicin treatment after saccotomy. Control of vertigo and hearing preservation were the aims of treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 26 to 59 months. History and pure-tone audiometry were used to assess vertigo control and hearing, respectively. The frequency of vertigo in the 6-month period before gentamicin treatment ranged between 0.5 and four definitive episodes per month. Hearing stage (AAO—HNS criteria) before gentamicin treatment ranged between 2 and 4. Pre- and post-treatment pure-tone hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz were compared by means of the Mann–Whitney U-test. Results. Complete vertigo control (class A; AAO—HNS) and hearing preservation at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz were achieved.

Purpose To explore outcomes of endolymphatic sac surgery for patients with Meniere's disease with and without the comorbid condition of migraine. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review of adult patients undergoing endolymphatic sac surgery at a single tertiary care center from 1987 to 2019 was performed. All adult patients who failed medical therapy and underwent primary endolymphatic sac surgery were included. The main outcome measures were vertigo control and functional level scale (FLS) score. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and audiometric outcomes were tracked as well. Results Patients with Meniere's disease and migraine had a stronger association with psychiatric comorbidities (64.29% vs. 25.80%, p=0.01), shorter duration of vertigo episodes (143 vs. 393 min, p=0.02), and younger age (36.6 vs. 50.8 yr, p=0.005) at the time of endolymphatic sac surgery. Postoperative pure tone averages and word recognition scores were nearly identical to preoperative baselines. Class A vertigo control (47.92%) was most common, followed by class B vertigo control (31.25%). The FLS score improved from 4.2 to 2.8 (p < 0.001). Both patients with and without migraine had classes A-B vertigo control (66.67% vs. 80.95%) without any statistically significant difference (p=0.59). Of the patients who required secondary treatment (10.42%), none had migraine. Conclusions Endolymphatic sac surgery is an effective surgical intervention for Meniere's disease with and without migraine. Patients with comorbid migraine tend to be younger and present with psychiatric comorbidities.

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

To explore the long-term efficacy and safety of triple semicircular canal occlusion (TSCO) in the treatment of intractable Meniere's disease (MD) so as to provide an alternative surgical procedure for treating this disorder. Data from Forty-nine patients, who were referred to our hospital and diagnosed with unilateral MD strictly meeting the criteria issued by Chinese Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Committee (2006) from Dec. 2010 to Jul. 2012, were retrospectively analyzed in this work. Forty-nine patients, in whom the standardized conservative treatment was given at least one year and frequent vertigo still occurred, received TSCO. Vertigo control and auditory function were measured. Pure tone audiometry, caloric test, and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) were performed for evaluation of audiological and vestibular function. Magnetic resonance hydrograph of inner ear was performed in patients received TSCO after 2 years for the observation of morphology of membranous labyrinth. Postoperative follow-up period was more than 2 years. According to the preoperative staging of hearing, among these 49 patients, there were 2 cases in stage II (with an average hearing threshold of 25-40 dBHL), 40 in stage III (41-70 dBHL) and 7 in stage IV (over 70 dBHL). Vertigo was controlled effectively in all 49 cases in two-year follow-up, of which 40 cases (81.6%) were completely controlled and 9 cases (18.4%) were substantially controlled after surgery. The rate of hearing preservation was 69.4% and the rate of hearing loss was 30.6%. Post-operatively, all patients suffered from temporary vertigo and balance disorders. Vertigo was disappeared in all patients within 3-5 days, while averagely recovered after 13.5 days. Two years afer treatment, loss of semicircular canal function by caloric test was found in the operation side of all patients and no change in cVEMP test was noted. All patients had no facial paralysis, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and other complications. Magnetic resonance hydrograph of inner ear showed that endolymph fluid in the position of plugging had no water after 2-years of TSCO. TSCO, which can reduce vertiginous symptoms effectively in patients with intractable MD in long-term follow-up, represents an effective and safe therapy for this disorder. TSCO is expected to be used as an alternative procedure for the treatment of MD in selected patients suffering from severe hearing loss or recurrence after endolymphatic sac surgery.

To report the incidence of vestibular migraine (VM) in patients with Ménière's disease (MD) and investigate whether management outcomes of MD differ by the association of VM. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary care academic center. MD patients (n = 251) with/without VM who were managed for 5 years in a dizziness clinic. Influence of VM on management outcomes and hearing at the latest follow-up in stepwise management options. Incidence of VM was 35% in MD patients. VM was more common in women than men (40 vs. 22%) and in probable MD than definite MD (43 vs. 29%). Bilateral MD was more frequent with coexistence of VM than without VM in definite MD (14 vs. 0%) as well as probable MD (24 vs. 7%). At the latest follow-up, preventive medications were effective in controlling vertigo in most (80%) patients (74%/90% in definite/probable MD). Additional intratympanic steroids were required in 16% (20%/10% in definite/probable MD) and intratympanic gentamicin or surgeries in 9 (6%) patients with intractable MD. The percentage of intractable MD did not differ with coexistence of VM, though definite MD showed a significantly higher percentage of intractable MD than probable MD (6 vs. 0%, respectively, p = 0.002). Worsening hearing was more frequent in definite MD than probable MD (19 vs. 4%), and association of VM did not influence the incidence of worsening hearing. Coexistence of VM was about 30 to 40% in definite and probable MD, especially frequent in bilateral MD (77%) and women with probable MD (50%), requiring identification of coexisting VM while managing MD patients. Management outcomes and worsening hearing in MD patients are not dependent on the coexistence of VM, when both are managed.