Surgical ablation of the vestibular system in the treatment of Meniere's disease.

When Meniere's disease becomes refractory to medical management, a variety of highly effective surgical options are available. A selective nerve section can relieve the disabling vertigo of Meniere's disease while preserving hearing. When the hearing on the involved side is nonserviceable, a labyrinthectomy is an important alternative. An eighth nerve section makes a complete preganglionic ablation possible with the additional benefit of relieving tinnitus in over two thirds of selected patients.