Labyrinthectomy for Meniere's Disease

Surgical labyrinthectomy is a highly successful modality for the treatment of vertigo in patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction and nonserviceable hearing most commonly from Meniere's Disease. Surgical ablation of the labyrinth may be accomplished through either a transcanal or transmastoid approach. We review the history of the procedure, the indications for surgery, the technical aspects for both types of labyrinthectomy, and surgical outcomes focusing on control of vertigo and postoperative complication rates. Either approach is safe and highly successful modality to control symptoms of vertigo in properly selected patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction and nonserviceable hearing.