Stapedotomy (Endaural)
David M. Kaylie, MD, MS1; Trey A. Thompson2; C. Scott Brown, MD1
1Duke University Medical Center
2University of Washington School of Medicine
Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth that inhibits the movement of the stapes, leading to a gradual conductive hearing loss. The treatment options encompass observation, the use of hearing aids, and surgical intervention. If the patient opts for surgery, either a stapedotomy or a stapedectomy can be executed to liberate the stapes from the sclerotic bone.
In the case of a stapedotomy performed with an endaural approach, access to the middle ear is gained through a minor incision extending from the anterior ear canal to the incisura, also known as the intertragal notch. The surgeon then proceeds to remove the superstructure of the stapes, create an opening in the footplate of the stapes, and subsequently place a prosthesis into the opening, which is then connected to the incus. The outcomes of this procedure are generally positive, with 90–95% of patients experiencing an improvement in hearing.