Endolymphatic mastoid shunt for Menière's disease: do results change over time?

In 1983, results of a 5-year study using the endolymphatic mastoid shunt for treatment of Menière's disease were reported. Forty-eight patients were followed for between 1 and 5 years postoperatively, and 81% obtained satisfactory relief of vertigo. In the present analysis, 24 of these patients responded to a questionnaire, participated in a direct interview, and completed audiometric evaluations at 7 to 11 years after surgery. Eighty-three percent of these patients reported satisfactory relief of their vertigo. Results for hearing, tinnitus, and limitation of activities also varied little between the initial study and this longer-term follow-up. Studies with shorter follow-up appear valid in predicting longer-term results. These findings support the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery's recommendation of a 2-year follow-up period for reporting results of therapy for Menière's disease.