Endolymphatic Sac Decompression

This is a stabilizing procedure sometimes used to treat Meniere’s disease or secondary endolymphatic hydrops to ease endolymphatic pressure in the cochlea and vestibular system.

Different surgical methods are available; some are designed to stabilize fluid volume, while others destroy the transmission of signals traveling from the ear to the brain. One allows the sac to decompress by removing the mastoid bone surrounding it. Other methods involve inserting a tube or strip into the endolymphatic sac to allow excess fluid to drain out.

The effectiveness of decompression techniques to control vertigo remains in doubt. The procedure entails making an incision behind the affected ear and exposing the mastoid bone. The mastoid is opened and the facial nerve identified in its course through the mastoid. The bone over the endolymphatic sac is exposed and then opened. A non-reactive sheet of silastic or a valve is inserted into the sac to allow for future drainage when fluid reforms.

This surgery is an outpatient treatment and takes about an hour.