Surgical Labyrinthectomy effectively manages Meniere's Disease, finds study

A new study found a major effective surgical approach to manage the Meniere's disease (MD). Meniere's disease, causes hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus found a potential in Surgical Labyrinthectomy (SL). This approach was proved to be a effective technique against the disorder. The outcomes of the study were published in the European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.

Surgical labyrinthectomy emerged as a promising approach specially in patients who were resistant to conventional treatments. This retrospective analysis by the team led by Valentine Léonard was conducted on 25 patients with drug-resistant MD, spanned for a decade from 2009 to 2019 and focused on the efficacy and safety of surgical labyrinthectomy.

This extensive study conducted at the University Hospital UCL Namur included all affected patients who were suffering with non-functional hearing and seeking radical therapeutic measures, underwent the procedure performed by the same surgeons.

The results showed a statistically significant improvement in Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores post-surgery (p < 0.01). Also, 81% of patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure, and there were no reported post-operative complications. Following the surgical labyrinthectomy, 14 patients experienced significant subjective and clinical improvements that render further vestibular workup unnecessary.

This study underscored Surgical Labyrinthectomy as a transformative approach for patients battling unilateral, disabling, and treatment-resistant Meniere’s disease. This procedure demonstrates both efficiency and safety and offers major hope for improved quality of life for those with non-functional hearing.

This important study not just unveils a revolutionary surgical labyrinthectomy approach but also paves the way for further advancements in the management of Meniere's disease. 

Source:

Léonard, V., Garin, P., Gilain, C., Saerens, M., & Van Damme, J.-P. (2023). Surgical labyrinthectomy in the treatment of unilateral Meniere disease: a Belgian retrospective study. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology: Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS): Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-023-08293-2