Lateral Semicircular Canal Plugging in Severe Ménière's Disease

Abstract

To evaluate the safety and efficiency of the plugging of the lateral semicircular canal to control vertigo in severe Ménière's disease (MD). Prospective follow-up study. University hospital. Twenty-eight patients with MD with refractory vertigo and severe disability (functional scale 5 or 6). Lateral canal plugging was performed in pathological ear for each patient. The evaluation of therapy followed the guidelines for diagnosis and evaluation of therapy in MD (1995). Hearing, frequency of vertigo, and functional disability were assessed in the early follow-up (6 mo) for all the patients and in the late follow-up (2 yr) for 16 patients. In addition, the canal paresis was evaluated by caloric test. No vital complication occurred. The hearing was preserved in 82% of cases. Lateral canal plugging induced in all cases a canal paresis that was persistent after 2 years. After 2 years (n = 16), the control of vertigo was complete or substantial in 75% of cases (A1, restoration of a normal life: 62.5%; B2, no functional restriction: 12.5%). Lateral canal plugging is a safe procedure that induces a canal paresis and allows a good control of vertigo. In view of these results, the lateral canal plugging should be a therapeutic option for controlling rotatory vertigo in severe MD.