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.
Laser Stapedotomy for Otosclerosis
C. Scott Brown, MD; Calhoun D. Cunningham III, MD
Duke University Medical Center
Otosclerosis can lead to progressive conductive hearing loss, significantly affecting quality of life. For patients who choose surgery, the tympanic membrane is elevated, and the middle ear space is explored. If the surgeon confirms that the stapes is fixed in the oval window, either a stapedotomy or stapedectomy can be performed.
In the stapedotomy, the surgeon removes the stapes superstructure, creates a fenestration in the footplate, and places a prosthesis from the incus through the fenestration into the vestibule. In this instance, the patient was able to regain nearly all of the hearing that had been lost as a result of stapes fixation.
Stapedotomy (Endaural)
Duke University Medical Center
David M. Kaylie, MD, MS
Department of Surgery
Division of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
C. Scott Brown, MD
Resident Physician
Division of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Dr. David Kaylie demonstrates the endaural approach to the middle ear in order to perform a stapedotomy for conductive hearing loss secondary to otosclerosis. This technique can be utilized for other middle ear conditions, including attic cholesteatomas.
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