[Curative effect of transtympanic perfusion of gentamicin on unilateral Ménière's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the curative effect of transtympanic perfusion of gentamicin on unilateral Ménière's disease. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with unilateral Ménière's disease, 14 males and 9 females, aged 24 - 61, all with vertigo, tinnitus and ear fullness sensation to different degrees, were treated with transtympanic perfusion of gentamicin via the tympanostomy tube, 12 mg per 3 hours and 5 times a day. Pure tone audiometry and caloric test were performed every day before treatment. When destruction type of nystagmus was observed by Frenzel's glasses and the treated ear showed no response to caloric test, the treatment was ceased. After the treatment the patients were followed up for 9 - 11 years (10.2 years on average). RESULTS: The average amount of gentamicin used was 216 mg. The treatment lasted for 1.5 to 5 days (3.6 days on average). Vertigo disappeared in 21 patients (91%) and remained unchanged in 2. Hearing was improved or remained unchanged in 17 patients (73%) and became worse in 6. Tinnitus decreased or disappeared in 15 patients (66%), and increased in 2 patients. Ear fullness sensation decreased or disappeared in 21 patients (91%). and remained unchanged in 2. Twenty-one patients were completely recovered and returned to work (91%). CONCLUSION: Relieving intractable vertigo and preserving hearing, transtympanic perfusion of gentamicin is effective on unilateral Ménière's disease.