Surgical Solutions for Meniere's Disease: When Are They Necessary?
Surgical Solutions for Meniere's Disease: When Are They Necessary?
The Surgical Path
When Meniere's Disease symptoms are severe and unresponsive to other treatments, surgery might be an option. Let's look into when surgery is considered.
Contents
- Understanding Surgical Options
- Endolymphatic Sac Procedures
- Intratympanic Injections
Understanding Surgical Options
Surgical procedures like labyrinthectomy and vestibular neurectomy are considered when Meniere's Disease symptoms are debilitating. Labyrinthectomy involves removing the inner ear balance organs and is only for those with complete hearing loss in the affected ear. Vestibular neurectomy cuts the balance nerve, preserving hearing but requiring a more complex procedure.
Endolymphatic Sac Procedures
Endolymphatic sac decompression or shunting aims to relieve fluid pressure in the ear. These procedures are less invasive and aim to preserve hearing. They may offer symptom relief for those with significant vertigo but require careful consideration and are often debated in terms of efficacy.
Intratympanic Injections
Intratympanic injections involve delivering medication directly into the ear. Gentamicin is used to reduce vertigo by affecting the balance organ, but it carries a risk of hearing loss. This option is considered when other treatments haven't provided sufficient relief.
FAQs
What is a labyrinthectomy?
It's a surgery to remove the inner ear balance organ, used for severe cases.
When is vestibular neurectomy considered?
It's considered when vertigo is severe, but hearing in the affected ear is preserved.
What do endolymphatic sac procedures involve?
They aim to relieve ear fluid pressure and preserve hearing.
Are intratympanic injections safe?
They carry risks, including potential hearing loss, and are used after other treatments fail.
Surgical Considerations
Surgical options should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare provider.
Additional References
- Nedzelski JM, Schessel DA, Bryce GE, Pfleiderer AG. Chemical labyrinthectomy: local application of gentamicin for the treatment of unilateral Menière's disease. Am J Otol 1992; 13:18.
- Gacek RR, Gacek MR. Comparison of labyrinthectomy and vestibular neurectomy in the control of vertigo. Laryngoscope 1996; 106:225.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.