R R

What Is Endolymphatic Sac Decompression?

Endolymphatic sac decompression is an inner-ear surgery intended to reduce disabling vertigo in selected patients with M?ni?re disease or endolymphatic hydrops. The surgeon removes bone around the endolymphatic sac to create more space around the structure. Some related procedures also open or shunt the sac, but decompression alone does not necessarily place a shunt. It is considered a hearing-preservation approach because it does not intentionally destroy the balance organs.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Endolymphatic Sac Decompression?

Endolymphatic sac decompression is an inner-ear surgery intended to reduce disabling vertigo in selected patients with M?ni?re disease or endolymphatic hydrops. The surgeon removes bone around the endolymphatic sac to create more space around the structure. Some related procedures also open or shunt the sac, but decompression alone does not necessarily place a shunt. It is considered a hearing-preservation approach because it does not intentionally destroy the balance organs.

read more about endolymphatic sac decompression ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

Why Is Endolymphatic Sac Decompression Performed?

The procedure can be considered for patients with persistent, disabling vertigo despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Its main goal is to reduce the frequency or severity of vertigo attacks while attempting to preserve hearing. It is not usually the first treatment for M?ni?re disease. Outcomes vary, and evidence regarding the specific benefit of decompression remains less certain than for some more destructive vestibular procedures.

How Is Endolymphatic Sac Decompression Performed?

The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia through an incision behind the ear. The surgeon performs a mastoid approach and carefully identifies the dura, sigmoid sinus, semicircular canals, and area of the endolymphatic sac. Bone covering the sac is removed to decompress it while the inner-ear structures are protected. A shunt or drainage procedure can be added depending on the planned technique.

What Is Recovery Like After Endolymphatic Sac Decompression?

Patients can experience temporary dizziness, imbalance, ear fullness, discomfort, or changes in hearing after surgery. The incision and mastoid area require routine postoperative care while activity is gradually increased. Hearing tests and follow-up visits can be used to assess hearing and vertigo control. Improvement in vertigo can take time, and some patients continue to have attacks or later require additional treatment.

What Are the Risks and Complications?

Risks include hearing loss, tinnitus, persistent dizziness, imbalance, infection, bleeding, cerebrospinal fluid leak, facial nerve injury, or failure to control vertigo. Damage to nearby inner-ear structures can produce permanent hearing or balance problems. Symptoms can recur after an initially successful operation. The expected benefit should be weighed against alternative therapies and the patient's remaining hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Endolymphatic Sac Decompression

Does endolymphatic sac decompression cure M?ni?re disease?

No. The procedure is intended mainly to reduce disabling vertigo. Hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pressure, or future vertigo can still occur.

Does the procedure destroy the inner ear?

No. It is designed as a nondestructive, hearing-preservation procedure. More destructive operations intentionally disable vestibular function and are different treatments.

Is a shunt always placed during endolymphatic sac decompression?

No. Simple decompression removes bone around the sac, while other endolymphatic sac operations add a shunt or drainage pathway.

Can vertigo return after the surgery?

Yes. Some patients have recurrent or persistent vertigo and can require medication, injections, revision surgery, or another vestibular treatment.

References

Meniere Disease. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536955/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about M?ni?re's Disease. ENT Health, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-about-menieres-disease/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.

Endolymphatic Sac Surgery for M?ni?re's Disease. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5375704/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.

Current evidence for endolymphatic sac surgery in the treatment of Meniere's disease: a systematic review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4656865/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.

Surgical interventions for M?ni?re's disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (PubMed Central). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9955726/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.