[Gentamicin for the transtympanic treatment of Menière's disease].

OBJECTIVE

This study described the method and efficacy of intratympanic gentamicin injection for obstinated, incapacitated Meniere's disease.

METHOD: It is a prospective study. Patients selected had classic unilateral Meniere's disease. All had preinjection audiometric and electronystagmography. Injection was accepted every two or three days. It is important to direct the therapy by observing the symptoms closely and checking the audiometric and electronystagmography whenever necessary.

RESULT: All the 12 cases undergone the treatment were followed up from 2 to 9 years. According to the criterion of Chinese Medical Association of ENT, the vertigo of Meniere's disease was evaluated. A (completed control): 10 cases; B (largely control): 2 cases. 4 cases said their tinnitus disappeared and 3 cases felt it improved. Hearing loss and vibration illusion vision are two complications.

CONCLUSION

The methods is simple, useful and safe, the effect of which is similar to vestibular neurectomy. It is the first choice therapy suitable to Meniere's disease patients, which symptoms keep unchanged after medical treatment or failed in surgery.