Permanent restoration of hearing and vestibular function by the endolymphatic subarachnoid shunt operation.

In cases of surgically treatable Meniere's disease, the endolymphatic subarachnoid shunt operation, when successful, can eliminate endolymphatic hydrops and restore function which has not been permanently damaged. This paper will demonstrate the restoration to normal of cochlear and vestibular function following successful endolymphatic subarachnoid shunt procedures. A series of 454 Endolymphatic Subarachnoid Shunt Operations performed on patients with Meniere's disease is reported. Twenty-six patients had surgery on their only hearing ear. Overall, the Endolymphatic Subarachnoid Shunt Operation offered success in sixty-five percent of operations performed. Cases of failure can often receive significant benefit from progressively more destructive procedures. The use of the Endolymphatic Subarachnoid Shunt procedure performed early in the course of Meniere's disease can significantly reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss and disability.