Endolymphatic mastoid shunt versus endolymphatic sac decompression for Ménière's disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the efficacy of endolymphatic mastoid shunt (EMS) versus endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) without sac incision for the treatment of Ménière's disease.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The AAO-HNS Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Therapy in Ménière's disease were used to retrospectively identify suitable candidates for the study. All patients who failed medical management and underwent either endolymphatic-mastoid shunt (EMS) (n = 88) or endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) (n = 108) were selected for review using the AAO-HNS guidelines. The study was carried out at a tertiary care neurotology private practice.

RESULTS: EMS and ESD were equally effective in reducing the incidence and severity of vertigo attacks with significant improvement in 67 percent and 66 percent of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Both EMS and ESD are effective, nondestructive alternatives for patients who have failed medical management of Ménière's disease with similar long-term hearing outcomes.

SIGNIFICANCE: This is the only study within the same institution using AAO-HNS guidelines comparing EMS versus ESD.