Cannoni M, Pech A, Zanaret M, Thomassin J M, Scavennec C, Morlec M, Triglia J M, Goga A
Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac. 1985;102(8):551-60.
The authors report 77 cases of vestibular neurectomy performed between 1972 and 1984 (40 male and 37 female) for incapacitating Meniere's vertigo. Neurectomy was via a sub-petrous (S.P.) approach in 55 cases, by posterior trans-labyrinthine (P.T.L.) approach in 9 and anterior trans-labyrinthine (A.T.L.) in 13 cases. A.T.L. was abandoned because of the frequency of leaks of CSF and of meningitis. The P.T.L. approach did not result in any facial paralysis, even transient. There were 2 CSF leaks, without meningitis and one of which required reoperation. For the 55 S.P. cases, hearing worsened in 22.2% with 8 cases of deafness, including three appearing secondarily. There were two transient auditory improvements. Vertigo was cured in 73 cases (94.8%) with 25.9% instability after several months. The authors stress the frequent bilateralisation of the disease and the need to reserve vestibular neurectomy for cases of longstanding incapacitating vertigo, resistant to all other treatment, as well as the value of surgery on the endolymphatic surgery provided that the criteria of indication are complied with. Medical treatment remains the essential basis, including the analysis and, where applicable, treatment of psychosomatic factors by a trained psychiatrist. Finally, when vestibular neurectomy is indicated, the S.P. approach is otologically most suitable, the P.T.L. being reserved for deaf ears or the elderly.
