COCHLEOSACCULOTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF MENIERES-DISEASE IN THE ELDERLY PATIENT

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.