Subarachnoid shunt for drainage of endolymphatic hydrops. a preliminary report.

Excessive endolymphatic pressure, established as a feature of Ménière's disease by recent experiments and probably due to disturbed absorption, may be corrected by drainage of the endolymphatic sac. By use of the operating microscope, diamond dental drill and continuous irrigation, the endolymphatic sac can be accurately identified and opened under direct vision. Continuous drainage of endolymph is maintained by creating a shunt into the subarachnoid space through a silicone rubber tube inserted into the sac. Seven patients, observed for two to six months, showed relief of most symptoms of Ménière's disease, with improvement of hearing in the majority. Although a larger series of patients and a longer follow‐up period will be required for conclusive evaluation, these early results indicate that continuous drainage of endolymph is an effective treatment of Ménière's disease.