Abstract
Endocochlear shunt operations were performed in 7 patients with intractable vertigo due to Meniere's disease and 4 patients with cochlear Meniere's disease.
Of the 7 patients with intractable vertigo due to Meniere's disease, 3 were classified as B and 2 as C and D according to the criteria of the AAOO. In the 2 patients classified as D, both endolymphatic sac surgery and endocochlear shunt operation were performed without success, so that transmastoid labyrinthectomy had to ultimately be performed.
The mean postoperative hearing deterioration at 5 frequencies was 24.1 dB. Aggravation of over 20 dB was seen in 4 out of 7 cases.
Among the patients with cochlear Méniècre's disease, postoperative hearing deterioration was found only in one patient with severe preoperative hearing loss. Postoperative hearing fluctuation and transition to typical Menière's disease could not be prevented in these patients.
Endocochlear shunt operation was thought to be indicated in patients with Meniere's disease with severe hearing loss who were either elderly or had undergone endolymphatic sac surgery without success.
