Evaluation of intratympanic gentamicin treatment in Meniere's disease

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of intratympanic instillation of gentamicin in 40 patients with unilateral Meniere's disease [MD] who become eligible for the evaluation of treatment efficacy according to the guidelines set by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery [AAO-HNS]. An initial ventilation tube was inserted in the affected ear, followed by a weekly instillation of 40 mg of gentamicin until symptoms disappear. Objective evaluation using caloric and videonystagmography [VNG] was used for follow up. Vertigo control was achieved in 78% of the patients. A predetermined maximum of four instillation sessions was set to prevent the sensorineural hearing loss. The follow up period was 18 months. Intratympanic instillation of gentamicin seems to produce an adequate vertigo control with few side effects and is a good alternative to surgical treatment