Publication:

Effect of transtympanic ventilation tube insertion for patients with intractable Meniere’s disease

Background This study aimed to clarify the effects of transtympanic tube insertion on patients with Meniere’s disease refractory to conservative treatment.

Methods Between January 2010 and December 2019, 40 patients with refractory Meniere’s disease were assigned to group I, a group of 19 patients who underwent transtympanic tube insertion (13 males, 6 females; age range 15-79 years) and group II, a control group of 21 patients who did not undergo intratympanic tube insertion (10 males, 11 females; age range 26-81 years). Definitive vertigo spells, hearing level, tinnitus and aural fullness were assessed for 2 years after treatment. The effectiveness of treatment for vertigo attacks and hearing loss was assessed according to the 1995 American academy of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery criteria. The degree of disability due to vertiginous attacks was also assessed and compared between groups using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) before and 2 years after treatment.

Results The frequency of vertigo attacks and the DHI score were significantly better in group I than in group II 2 years after treatment. Group I also showed significantly improved tinnitus and feelings of fullness. However, the hearing level remained unaffected in both groups.

Conclusions This less invasive treatment might offer short term efficacy in reducing persistent vertigo, tinnitus and a feeling of aural fullness for some patients with Meniere’s disease.