Cochleosacculotomy is a surgical option for the treatment of incapacit
ating vertigo in elderly patients with Meniere's disease. This procedu
re was performed in nine patients (mean age: 73 years) for control of
vertigo and/or drop attacks. The average follow-up period was 29 month
s. Vertigo was controlled in eight of nine patients, but hearing worse
ned in all but one patient. No patient developed a transient increase
in vertigo in the postoperative period. Cochleosacculotomy should be c
onsidered in elderly patients with recurrent vertigo and severe non-fl
uctuating sensorineural hearing loss who would otherwise be candidates
for labyrinthectomy.