Clinical long-term effects of surgical treatment for intractable Meniere's disease: a more than 13-year follow-up after pressure treatment and further surgical treatment for intractable vertigo

Background: Meniere's disease appears to be a complex inner ear disorder and also remains a controversial and often difficult disease as regards determination of diagnosis, pathogenesis and especially optimal treatment. Aims/objectives: To investigate the long-term effects of progressive surgical treatment in the management of the vertigo attacks of intractable Meniere's disease. Material and methods: Eighteen patients with medically intractable and active Meniere's disease were opted to try Meniett pulse generator (Meniett), endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) and triple semicircular canal occlusion (TSCO) in order to control the attacks of vertigo. Patients were indicated on the symptom report card the maximum level of vertigo, activity and stress. Results: Of 18 patients with medically intractable and active Meniere's disease during mean 165-month follow-up, the attacks of vertigo were effectively controlled in 14 patients by Meniett (77.78%), 2 patients by Meniett and ESD (11.11%), 2 patients by Meniett, ESD and TSCO (11.11%). Conclusions and significance: It is of great importance for intractable Meniere's disease to select surgically combined treatment process including Meniett, ESD and TSCO to effectively control the attacks of vertigo and a long-term follow-up.