ENDOLYMPHATIC SAC SURGERY - ANALYSIS OF 100 OPERATIONS

One hundred endolymphatic mastoid shunt operations in 89 patients with classical Meniere's disease were analysed. The disease was bilateral in 18 patients (20%). The patients were carefully pre-selected by a co mprehensive protocol of audiovestibular and metabolic investigations. All patients had definite electrophysiological evidence of endolymphat ic hydrops with an enhanced negative summating potential on transtympa nic electrocochleography. The surgical results were analysed both by t he original American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Guide lines (AA00, 1972) and the more recent modifications of the American A cademy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (AA-HNS, 1985). Contro l of the vertigo was achieved in 81% of the patients overall, in 88% o f the patients with unilateral disease and in 63% of the patients with bilateral disease. A significant hearing improvement was obtained in 19% of patients, no change in 55% and hearing became worse in 26%. Tin nitus improved in 38% of patients, was unchanged in 52% and became wor se in 10%. Disability was assessed and there was no disability in 44% of the patients post-operatively, some degree of disability in 48% but only 8% were severely disabled and unable to sustain gainful employme nt.