Labyrinthectomy versus middle fossa vestibular nerve section in Menière's disease. A critical evaluation of relief of vertigo.

Labyrinthectomy has been used for years in the surgical management of Menière's disease for the control of vertigo. The effect of this procedure are predictable and satisfying but residual hearing is sacrificed. With the advent of the middle fossa section of the vestibular nerve, it soon became apparent that it was possible to obtain relief from vertigo and at the same time preserve residual hearing. How do the two procedures actually compare as far as relief of vertigo, postsurgical ataxia, and recovery periods? The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the two procedures in regard to these three parameters. A series of middle fossa operations is compared to one in which the patients received a labyrinthectomy. Results and complications in both groups are covered in detail.