Endolymphatic Sac Decompression
A specialized surgical option for managing severe Ménière's disease symptoms.
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Non-Surgical Treatment
Explore conservative treatment options before surgery.
Ménière's Disease TreatmentSurgery Type
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What happens in this surgery?
- A small incision is made behind the ear to access the mastoid bone.
- Using a surgical microscope, a portion of the mastoid bone is carefully removed to expose the endolymphatic sac.
- The bone overlying the endolymphatic sac is thinned or removed to decompress it, allowing for better fluid drainage.
- In some cases, a small shunt (drainage tube) may be placed to further facilitate fluid outflow from the sac.
Ready to take the next step?
Connect with a specialist to see if Endolymphatic Sac Decompression is right for you.
Post Surgery Recovery
What to expect after your procedure
After Endolymphatic Sac Decompression, patients typically remain in the hospital for 1-2 days for observation. You may experience some dizziness, nausea, and ear discomfort immediately after the procedure, which can be effectively managed with prescribed medication. A protective head dressing will be applied, and you will receive detailed instructions on wound care and activity restrictions to ensure proper healing. Gradual recovery at home involves avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sudden head movements for several weeks. It is crucial to keep the surgical site dry and adhere strictly to all post-operative medication schedules, including antibiotics to prevent infection and pain relievers. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and assess the improvement of your Ménière's symptoms. While some initial improvement may be noticed relatively quickly, the full benefits of the surgery, particularly in terms of vertigo control, can take several weeks to months to become apparent as the inner ear adjusts. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy may be recommended to help regain balance and adapt to any changes in inner ear function, optimizing your long-term recovery and quality of life.
Hospital Stay
1–7 days
Varies by procedure
Initial Rest
1–2 weeks
Light activity only
Follow-up Visit
2–4 weeks
Wound check & review
Full Recovery
6–12 weeks
Back to normal activity
Recovery & Wellness Tips
- Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including audiology tests, balance assessments, and imaging (MRI/CT scan), to confirm diagnosis and surgical suitability.
- Discuss all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, allergies, and medical history with your surgeon.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, for a specified period before surgery as advised by your medical team.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital, as you will not be able to drive after the procedure.
- Follow specific fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight) on the day before surgery.
