Experiencia en estapedostomías en Hospital del Salvador entre 2012 y 2018 / Stapedotomy experience at Hospital del Salvador between 2012 and 2018

INTRODUCCIÓN: La otoesclerosis es una enfermedad de presumible origen metabólico que determina la fijación de la cadena osicular. La estapedostomía con instalación de prótesis es la cirugía de elección en la actualidad para esta patología. OBJETIVO: Describir experiencia y resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con otoesclerosis en el Hospital del Salvador entre los años 2012 y 2018. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo mediante revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente en nuestro servicio desde enero de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2018 con sospecha de otoesclerosis. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron en total 52 cirugías a 45 pacientes, 40 vía microscópica, 10 vía endoscópica y 2 mixtas, se utilizaron dos modelos de prótesis, Schuknecht - type piston and wire y Stapes-Prothesen. El promedio tonal puro (PTP) por vía aérea prequirúrgico fue de 65 dB, con una diferencia ósea-aérea (gap) promedio de 36 dB. El PTP promedio posquirúrgico fue de 35 dB con gap promedio de 9 dB, logrando en promedio una mejoría de 31 dB en la vía aérea y 27 dB de cierre de gap. El 92% de los pacientes intervenidos lograron mejoría con respecto al gap posoperatorio. CONCLUSIÓN: La estapedostomía es una intervención que si bien no está exenta de complicaciones, ha demostrado ser segura y tener buenos resultados auditivos en la mayoría de los pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Otosclerosis is a presumable metabolic disease that determines ossicular chain fixation. Stapedotomy with prosthesis installation is the surgery of choice for this pathology at present. AIM: To describe the experience and results of the surgical treatment of patients with otosclerosis in the Hospital del Salvador between 2012 and 2018. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical records were reviewed of patients treated surgically in our department from January 2012 to September 2018 with suspicion of otosclerosis. RESULTS: A total of 52 surgeries were performed in 45 patients, 42 via microscopy and 10 via endoscopy, two models of prostheses were used Schuknecht - type piston and wire y Stapes-Prothesen. The pure tonal average (PTP) by pre-surgical air was 65 dB, with an average air gap (gap) of 36 dB. The average post-surgical PTP was 35 dB with an average gap of 9 db, achieving on average an improvement of 31 dB in the airway and 27 dB of gap closure. 92% of the patients who underwent surgery improved with respect to the postoperative gap. CONCLUSION: The stapedotomy is an intervention that although not free of complications, has been shown to be safe and have good hearing results in most patients.

Experiencia en estapedotomía en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael entre 2018 y 2019 / Experience in stapedotomy at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael between 2018 and 2019

Objetivo: describir la experiencia de los pacientes llevados a una estapedotomía en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael en los años 2018 y 2019. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el que se revisaron un total de 32 historias de pacientes intervenidos con una estapedotomía entre los años 2018 y 2019 en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael. Resultados: entre los años 2018 y 2019 se realizaron 32 estapedotomías, 62 % en mujeres, con una media de edad de 48,1 años, el 54,9 % fueron en el oído derecho; al 84,3 % se le realizó un abordaje transcanal, en el 78,1 % se usó prótesis Clip-pistón, en el 46,8 % se usaron prótesis de 4,75 mm; en el 69,7 % de los casos presentaban hipoacusia moderada preoperatoria, 6 pacientes presentaron vértigo, solo en 1 paciente se presentó Gusher como complicación y 1 perforación timpánica; en el 100 % de los pacientes se encontró un cierre satisfactorio del GAP de la vía aérea y ósea. Conclusión: la estapedotomía es un procedimiento que se realizó de manera exitosa en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael durante los años 2018 y 2019, teniendo en cuenta los buenos resultados auditivos posoperatorios dados por el cierre de la brecha entre la vía aérea y la vía ósea.

Objective: describe the experience of stapedotomy patients at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael in the years 2018 and 2019. Material and method: descriptive study in which a total of 32 medical records of patients undergoing stapedotomy between 2018 and 2019 at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael were reviewed. Results: between 2018 and 2019, 32 stapedotomies were registered, 62% female, with a mean age of 48.1 years, 54.9% in right ear; 84.3 % with transcanal approach, 78.1% Clip-piston prostheses were used, in 46.8 % 4.75 mm prostheses were used; 69.7 % presented moderate preoperative hearing loss, 6 patients presented vertigo, only 1 patient presented a gusher complication and 1 tympanic perforation. 100 % of the patients had a satisfactory air-bone gap closure. Conclusion: stapedotomy is a successful procedure performed at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael during 2018 and 2019, considering the excellent postoperative auditory results given by the air-bone gap closure.

Resultados auditivos del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el departamento de otorrinolaringología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Auditory results of surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the department of otolaryngology of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

RESUMEN Introducción: La otoesclerosis representa la causa de hipoacusia de conducción más común en adultos jóvenes. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen amplificación mediante audífonos o resolución quirúrgica a través de cirugías como estapedectomía total o parcial, estapedostomía o implante coclear. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el Departamento de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile entre los años 1999 y 2018. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte no concurrente con revisión de fichas clínicas y protocolos operatorios de pacientes atendidos en nuestro centro. Se registraron y analizaron las características biodemográficas de los pacientes, técnicas quirúrgicas, resultados auditivos, complicaciones, necesidad de reintervención y uso de audífono. Resultados: De un total de 78 pacientes sometidos a estapedectomía parcial (platinectomía parcial) o estapedostomía se incluyeron finalmente 37 quienes tenían datos clínicos completos, lo que corresponde al 47,4% del total. En ambos tipos de cirugía el promedio de gap óseo-aéreo varió de 30,8 dB en el preoperatorio a 13,9 dB en el posoperatorio lo cual es estadísticamente significativo. El promedio de variación de la vía aérea, éste fue mayor en el grupo de pacientes operados de estapedostomía, sin existir diferencias estadísticamente significativas al realizar test no paramétricos. Conclusión: Las características demográficas y los resultados auditivos obtenidos en nuestro centro son comparables con los descritos en la literatura. No existen diferencias significativas en cuanto al tipo de cirugía y la frecuencia y tipo de complicaciones, aunque se observan mejores resultados auditivos en los pacientes operados de estapedostomía.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Otosclerosis represents the most common cause of hearing loss in young adults. Treatment options include amplification with hearing aids or surgical resolution with surgeries such as total and partial stapedectomy, stapedostomy or cochlear implant. Aim: To describe the results of the surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Clinical Hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile between the years 1999 and 2018 Material and method: A non-concurrent cohort study was performed with review of clinical files and operative protocols of patients seen in our center. The biodemographic characteristics of the patients, surgical techniques, auditory results, complications, need for reoperation and use of hearing aid were recorded and analyzed. Results: Of a total of 78 patients undergoing partial stapedectomy or stapedostomy, 37 were finally included, who had complete clinical data, which corresponds to 47.4% of the total. In both types of surgery, the average bone-air gap varied from 30.8 dB in the preoperative to 13.9 dB in the postoperative period, which is statistically significant. Regarding the average of variation of the airway, this was higher in the group of patients operated by stapedostomy without statistically significant differences when performing nonparametric tests. Conclusion: The demographic characteristics and the auditory results obtained in our center are comparable with those described in the literature. There are no significant differences in the type of surgery and the frequency and type of complications, although better hearing results are observed in patients operated by stapedostomy.

Degree of tinnitus improvement with stapes surgery - a review / Grau de melhora do zumbido com estapedectomia - uma revisão

Abstract Introduction Otospongiosis is temporal bone osteodystrophy, characterized by disordered bone resorption and neoformation in genetically predisposed individuals. Clinically, otospongiosis is characterized by progressive conductive and/or mixed hearing loss and by tinnitus. Objective A review of the last two decades of publications that report the degree of tinnitus improvement with stapes surgery. Methods 125 articles published in the last 20 years mentioning the relationship between otosclerosis and tinnitus. Literature has always shown that the hearing improvement after stapes surgery was the main result sought and found. However, recent articles has reinforced the need for surgery for the tinnitus improvement. The ideal time to assess tinnitus through different scales is in the sixth month post-operative. The estimated average hearing improvement is 93% and tinnitus is 85.52%. Results Summaries of 12 articles were reviewed which fulfilled the search criteria of the survey, and 8 studies were included in the study according the selection criteria. This studies investigating the degree of tinnitus improvement with stapes surgery, using different scales as: tinnitus functional index, visual analog scale, tinnitus functional index and visual analog scale, visual analog scale and "questionnaire asking about tinnitus", Newman's method and Tinnitus Score Advocated by the Japan Audiological Society. The total of the samples of the evaluated articles was of 254 participants. Conclusion We conclude that stapes surgery is effective for the treatment of tinnitus (average improvement is 85.52%), and hearing loss (average improvement is 93%). When deciding about the surgical indication in patients with otosclerosis, the presence and level tinnitus should be considered as well as the level of hearing.

Resumo Introdução A otosclerose é uma osteodistrofia do osso temporal, caracterizada pela reabsorção e neoformação óssea desordenadas em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos. Clinicamente, a otosclerose é caracterizada por perda auditiva progressiva condutiva e/ou mista e por zumbido. Objetivo Uma revisão das últimas duas décadas de publicações que relatam o grau de melhora do zumbido com a estapedectomia. Método Foram analisados 125 artigos publicados nos últimos 20 anos que mencionavam a relação entre otosclerose e zumbido. A literatura sempre mostrou a melhoria auditiva como principal objetivo e resultado da estapedectomia. No entanto, artigos recentes reforçaram a necessidade de cirurgia para a melhoria do zumbido. O momento ideal para avaliar o zumbido através de diferentes escalas é no sexto mês pós-operatório. A melhoria auditiva média estimada é de 93% e a do zumbido, de 85,52%. Resultados Foram revisados resumos de 12 artigos que preencheram os critérios de pesquisa, foram incluídos no estudo 8 artigos de acordo com os critérios de seleção. Este estudo investiga o grau de melhora do zumbido com a estapedectomia, utilizando diferentes escalas: tinnitus functional index, escala visual analógica, tinnitus functional index e escala visual analógica, escala visual analógica e "questionário sobre o zumbido", método de Newman e o Tinnitus Score Advocated, da Sociedade Audiológica do Japão (Japan Audiological Society). O total das amostras dos artigos avaliados foi de 254 participantes. Conclusão Concluímos que a estapedectomia é bastante eficaz no tratamento do zumbido (melhoria média de 85,52%) e perda auditiva (melhoria média de 93%). Ao decidir sobre a indicação cirúrgica em pacientes com otosclerose, a presença e o nível de zumbido devem ser considerados, assim como o nível de audição.

Does stapes surgery improve tinnitus in patients with otosclerosis? / A estapedotomia melhora o zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose?

Abstract Introduction: Otosclerosis (OS) is the primary disease of the human temporal bone characterized by conductive hearing loss and tinnitus. The exact pathogenesis of tinnitus in otosclerosis patients is not known and factors affecting the tinnitus outcome in otosclerosis patients are still controversial. Objectives: To find the effect of stapedotomy on tinnitus for otosclerosis patients. Methods: Fifty-six otosclerosis patients with preoperative tinnitus were enrolled to the study. Pure tone average Air-Bone Gap values, preoperative tinnitus pitch, Air-Bone Gap closure at tinnitus frequencies were evaluated for their effect on the postoperative outcome. Results: Low pitch tinnitus had more favorable outcome compared to high pitch tinnitus (p = 0.002). Postoperative average pure tone thresholds Air-Bone Gap values were not related to the postoperative tinnitus (p = 0.213). There was no statistically significant difference between postoperative Air-Bone Gap closure at tinnitus frequency and improvement of high pitch tinnitus (p = 0.427). There was a statistically significant difference between Air-Bone Gap improvement in tinnitus frequency and low pitch tinnitus recovery (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Low pitch tinnitus is more likely to be resolved after stapedotomy for patients with otosclerosis. High pitch tinnitus may not resolve even after closure of the Air-Bone Gap at tinnitus frequencies.

Resumo Introdução: Otosclerose (OS) é a principal doença do osso temporal humano caracterizada por perda auditiva condutiva e zumbido. A patogenia exata do zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose não é conhecida e fatores que afetam o desfecho de zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose ainda são controversos. Objetivos: Encontrar o efeito da estapedotomia sobre o zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 56 pacientes com otosclerose com zumbido pré-operatório. Os valores médios tonais do gap aero-ósseo, o tom de zumbido no pré-operatório, o fechamento do gap nas frequências dos zumbidos foram avaliados quanto ao seu efeito sobre o desfecho pós-operatório. Resultados: O zumbido em tom grave teve desfecho mais favorável em comparação com o zumbido agudo (p = 0,002). Os valores médios dos gaps pós-operatórios não foram relacionados com o zumbido pós-operatório (p = 0,213). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o fechamento pós-operatório do gap na frequência do zumbido e melhoria do zumbido de tom agudo (p = 0,427). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a melhoria no gap nas frequências do zumbido e recuperação do zumbido de tom mais grave (p = 0,026). Conclusão: O zumbido de tom mais grave parece ser mais bem resolvido depois de estapedotomia em pacientes com otosclerose. O zumbido de tom agudo pode não desaparecer, mesmo após o fechamento do gap nas frequências do zumbido.

Índice de éxito en cirugía del estribo en el tratamiento de otoesclerosis / Index of success in stapes surgery in the treatment of otosclerosis

Introducción: La otoesclerosis es un padecimiento que ocasiona hipoacusia y es de relativa frecuencia en nuestra región con tratamiento quirúrgico bien establecido e índice de éxito relativamente alto. Objetivo: Determinar el índice de éxito del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en un tercer nivel de atención. Diseño: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Materiales y Métodos. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes con diagnóstico de otoesclerosis y manejo quirúrgico con estapedectomía y estapedotomía en el servicio de otorrinolaringología de esta institución de julio 2009 a enero 2011. Resultados: De un total de 56 expedientes revisados en el período de estudio, se encontraron 36 expedientes completos, 61.9% mujeres y 27.1% hombres, con una edad media de 36.7 años; la afección bilateral fue del 80% y unilateral del 20%. Con respecto al síntoma predominante, 62% de los pacientes presentaron sólo hipoacusia y 38% tinitus e hipoacusia, con una duración media de 8.4 años. Los hallazgos audiológicos demostraron una prevalencia de hipoacusia conductiva moderada bilateral en 13 pacientes, severa bilateral en 4 casos, hipoacusia conductiva superficial unilateral en 2, hipoacusia conductiva severa y moderada unilateral con uno en ambos casos e hipoacusia conductiva unilateral superficial en 1. En 21 pacientes, se realizaron 29 cirugías, bilaterales en 10 pacientes, 7 en oído izquierdo y 2 en oído derecho y 2 decidieron no operar. Discusión: Se encontró un índice de éxito quirúrgico mayor del 90%. Conclusión: Los resultados presentados, fueron semejantes a los reportados en la literatura.

Introduction: Otosclerosis is a relatively frequent condition that causes hearing loss in our region. The surgical treatment is well established with stapedectomy and stapedotomy, and its success rate is high. Objective: To determine the success rate of surgical treatment of otosclerosis in a third level of care. Design: Observational, Cross sectional study. Material and methods: We reviewed the clinical records of patients with diagnosis and surgical management with stapedectomy and stapedotomy in the otorhinolaryngology department of this institution from July 2009 to January 2011. Results: Of a total of 56 files reviewed during the study period, 36 complete files were found, 61.9% were female and 27.1% were male, with a mean age of 36.7 years, bilateral affection was found in 80% of the patients and unilateral in 20%. Regarding to the predominant symptom, 62% of the patients had only hearing loss and 38% reported tinnitus and hearing loss, with an average duration of 8.4 years. The audiological findings showed a prevalence of moderate bilateral conductive hearing loss in 13 cases, bilateral severe in 4 cases, unilateral conductive hearing loss in 2, unilateral moderate and severe conductive hearing loss in one case, and unilateral conductive hearing loss in 1. In 21 patients, 29 surgeries were carried out, bilateral in 10 patients, 7 in the left ear and 2 in the right ear and 2 decided not to operate. Discussion: A surgical success rate of more than 90% was found. Conclusion: The results presented were similar to those reported in the literature.

Evaluation of Functional Outcomes after Stapes Surgery in Patients with Clinical Otosclerosis in a Teaching Institution

Introduction Otosclerosis is a primary disease of the temporal bone that leads to stapes ankylosis. Hearing loss is the main symptom. Treatment includes surgery, medical treatment, and sound amplification therapy alone or in combination. Objective To evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with clinical diagnosis of otosclerosis undergoing primary stapes surgery in a teaching institution. Method Retrospective descriptive study. Results A total of 210 ears of 163 patients underwent stapes surgery. Of the 163 patients, 116 (71.2%) underwent unilateral surgery and 47 (28.8%) underwent bilateral surgery. Six of the 210 operated ears had obliterative otosclerosis. The average preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap was 32.06 and 4.39 dB, respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative bone conduction threshold was 23.17 and 19.82 dB, respectively. A total of 184 (87.6%) ears had a residual air-bone gap <10 dB, and 196 (93.3%) had a residual air-bone gap ±15 dB. Two patients (0.95%) had severe sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion Stapes surgery showed excellent functional hearing outcomes in this study. This surgerymay be performed in educational institutions with the supervision of experienced surgeons.

Estapedostomía endoscópica: experiencia en el Hospital del Salvador / Endoscopic Stapedotomy: experience at the Hospital del Salvador

Introducción: La otoesclerosis es una enfermedad metabólica, localizada y primaria del hueso de la cápsula ótica y la cadena osicular. Produce fijación de la cadena y consecuente hipoacusia de conducción. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente trabajo es mostrar la estapedostomía endoscópica como alternativa quirúrgica, y comparar sus resultados con la estapedostomía microscópica. Material y método: Estudio restrospectivo de revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente en nuestro servicio desde enero de 2012 hasta de junio de 2014 con sospecha de otoesclerosis. Se obtuvieron un total de 35 pacientes operados, 25 vía microscópica y 10 vía endoscópica. Resultados: El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 60 y 85 minutos para microscópica y endoscópica, respectivamente. El cierre de diferencia óseo aérea (gap), a los 2 meses, fue de 100% para endoscópica y de 92% para microscópica. Un paciente vía endoscópica y 2 pacientes vía microscópica presentaron disgeusia. Conclusiones: La estapedostomía endoscópica es una alternativa quirúrgica ya que permite una excelente visión y comprensión de la anatomía. Su mayor utilidad es que permite trabajar con mejor exposición en conductos auditivos externos (CAE) estrechos y angulados. También contribuye a disminuir el fresado del CAE con menor daño de la cuerda del tímpano. Sus resultados auditivos son comparables con la técnica con microscopio.

Introduction: Otosclerosis is a metabolic bone disease of the otic capsule and the ossicles. It is a primary disease that may cause fixation of the stape and conductive hearing loss. Aim: To show endoscopic stapedotomy as a surgical alternative, and to compare the results with the stapedotomy using microscope. Material and method: Clinical records were reviewed of patients treated surgically in our department from January 2012 to June 2014 with suspected otosclerosis. 35 patients were obtained, 25 using microscope and 10 using only endoscope. Results: Average operative time was 60 and 85 minutes to microscopic and endoscopic group respectively. Air-bone gap closureat 2 months was 100% for endoscopic and 92% for microscopic surgery. One patient of endoscopic surgery and two patients of microscopic surgery presented postsurgical dysgeusia. Conclusions: Endoscopic stapedotomyis a surgical alternative as it allows an excellent vision and understanding of anatomy; it can be performeddespite a curved and narrow external auditory canal (EAC), with a better exposure. It also helps to reduce the milling of EAC with less damage to the chorda tympani. Hearing result is comparable to the microscope surgery.

Resultados de estapedotomía en el tratamiento de otosclerosis: serie de casos / Stapedotomy results in The treatment of otosclerosis: number of cases

La otosclerosis es una enfermedad que envuelve la capsula ótica y puede causar desmineralización y cambios otoespogióticos que conducen a hipoacusia conductiva progresiva con afectación particular en las frecuencias bajas (500- 2000 Hz). Tiene una herencia autosómica dominante con penetrancia incompleta. La incidencia se estima en 6.1 casos por cada 100 mil habitantes. Las mujeres se afectan más que los hombres (65% vs. 35%), la mayoría de los casos ocurren entre la segunda y tercera décadas de la vida, el embarazo puede acelerar el proceso otoesclerótico y el cuadro suele ser bilateral en el 60% de los pacientes [1, 2]. La cirugia es el método de elección en el tratamiento de la otosclerosis. Tanto la estapedectomía o estapedotomía son los procedimientos preferidos, siendo la segunda el procedimiento más frecuentemente utilizado por conllevar menos complicaciones quirúrgicas [3, 4]. Algunos estudios han reportado umbrales óseos estables después de la cirugía, mientras que otros muestran una pérdida auditiva neurosensorial de diversos grados a lo largo de años [5 ­ 10]. El objeto de este estudio fue evaluar la mejora auditiva mediante su promedio pre y post cirugía, así como valorar la disminución del gap en los pacientes sometidos a estapedotomía en el Hospital Vozandes Quito

Otosclerosis is a disease that involves the otic capsule and can cause demineralization and otoespogetric changes that lead to hearing loss progressive conductive with particular affectation in the low frequencies (500- 2000 Hz). It has an autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance. The incidence is estimated at 6.1 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. The women affect more than men (65% vs. 35%), most cases occur between the second and third decades of life, pregnancy can accelerate the process Acrosclerotic and the picture is usually bilateral in 60% of patients [1,2]. Surgery is the method of choice in the treatment of otosclerosis. So much Stapedectomy or stapedotomy are the preferred procedures, being the second is the most frequently used procedure because it entails less surgical complications [3, 4]. Some studies have reported bone thresholds stable after surgery, while others show a hearing loss neurosensory of varying degrees over years [5-10]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the auditory improvement by means of its pre and post-surgery, as well as assessing the decrease in the gap in patients undergoing Stapedotomy at Vozandes Hospital Quito

Avaliação audiométrica após estapedotomia com prótese de titânio do tipo Fisch / Audiometric evaluation after stapedotomy with Fisch titanium prosthesis

Otosclerose é uma doença que provoca fixação do estribo, levando à perda auditiva tipicamente condutiva, corrigida com aparelhos auditivos ou cirurgia de estapedotomia, substituindo o estribo doente por uma prótese. O material mais recentemente utilizado é o titânio e no Brasil há apenas duas próteses comercialmente disponíveis. A prótese de pistão tipo Fisch, da Storz, não possui resultados relatados na literatura. OBJETIVO: Estudo retrospectivo avaliando resultado auditivo após estapedotomia com uso desta prótese. MÉTODO: Usando critérios da Academia Americana de Otorrinolaringologia, comparou-se o gap nas audiometrias pré e pós-operatórias, avaliando-se melhora auditiva. RESULTADOS: O gap pós-operatório em baixas frequências teve média de 12,9 dB, em altas frequências de 5,2 dB (média 9,1 dB), mediana 8,8 dB, mínimo 1,3 dB e máximo 21,6 dB, desvio padrão 5,7 e p < 0,001. Dividindo o resultado conforme o gap pós-operatório a cada 10 dB, em 25 pacientes (75,8%) foi < ou igual a 10 dB, em 32 pacientes (96,9%) foi < ou igual a 20 dB, em 100% dos casos foi < ou igual a 30 dB. CONCLUSÃO: Prótese de pistão tipo Fisch apresenta resultados compatíveis com a literatura, podendo ser usada com segurança como mais uma boa opção para estapedotomia.

Otosclerosis causes the fixation of the stapes and conductive hearing loss, usually corrected with the use of hearing aids or through stapedotomy and the replacement of the involved stapes with a prosthesis. Titanium has been the most recently used material of choice in stapedotomy prostheses. Only two prostheses are commercially available in Brazil. There are no reports in the literature on the Fisch-type Storz titanium stapes piston prosthesis. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aims to look into the auditory outcomes of patients submitted to stapedotomy and titanium stapes piston prosthesis implantation. METHOD: The criteria described by the American Academy of Otolaryngology were used to compare pre and postoperative air-bone gaps seen in audiometry tests. RESULTS: The mean low-frequency postoperative air-bone gap was 12.9 dB; the mean high-frequency air-bone gap was 5.2 dB (mean 9.1 dB); median gap was 8.8 dB, with a minimum of 1.3 dB and a maximum of 21.6 dB; standard deviation was 5.7 dB, and p < 0.001. Twenty-five (75.8%) patients had air-bone gaps of 10 dB and under; 32 (96.9%) patients had gaps of 20 dB and under; and all patients had gaps of 30 dB and under. CONCLUSION: The Fisch-type titanium stapes piston prosthesis presented outcomes consistent with the literature and can be used safely in stapedotomy procedures.

Otoesclerosis: Aspectos histopatológicos y resultados auditivos de la estapedostomía / Otosclerosis: Histopathological features and stapedostomy hearing results

Introducción: La otoesclerosis es una enfermedad que produce hipoacusia de conducción que histopatológicamente corresponde a un proceso focal de remodelación ósea denominado otoespongiosis. Varios estudios describen el inicio y las características de este proceso, pero no existen trabajos que correlacionen el grado de afección histológica con el nivel de deterioro auditivo. Objetivo: Correlacionar observaciones anatomopatológicas con variables clínicas, intraoperatorias, audiométricas y evaluar el resultado de la estapedostomía. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo incluyendo los pacientes sometidos a estapedostomía entre 1995 y 2011, con estudio histopatológico de estribo y evaluación audiométrica pre y posquirúrgica. Estadísticamente, se hizo análisis univariado de variables categóricas y continuas, para luego ajustar modelo logístico para identificar predictores de éxito quirúrgico. Para la tabulación de datos, obtención de resultados y análisis se utilizó el software estadístico Stata® 12 (StataCorp. 2011. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP). Resultados: Se reclutaron 204 estapedostomías, sólo el 24,51% tuvo estribos anormales. El aspecto macroscópico de la platina no tuvo relación con el resultado microscópico (p =0,476), no se encontró asociación estadística entre umbrales audiométricos prequirúrgicos aéreos (p =0,291) y óseos (p =0,824) con el grado de severidad histopatológica. La mejoría vía aérea posquirúrgica (p =0,326) y cierre del gap aéreo-óseo (p =0,23) no se correlacionó con el grado histológico. Conclusión: El impacto primario de la estapedostomía fue significativo en el mejoramiento del nivel de audición del paciente. El estudio rutinario anatomopatológico de estribo en estapedostomía carece de valor pronóstico a diferencia de otros factores analizados en este estudio.

Introduction: Otosclerosis causes conductive hearing loss that histologically corresponds to a bone remodeling process called otoespongiosis. Although multiple pathological studies describing onset and the characteristics of this process, there are no articles in literature that correlate histological disease with hearing impairment and surgical outcomes. Aim: Correlate pathological disease with clinical, intraoperative and audiometric variables and evaluate the stapedostomy outcome. Material and method: Retrospective study including patients undergoing stapedostomy between 1995 and 2011, with histopathologic evaluation of stapes bone and pre and postoperative audiometric evaluation. Statistically, univariate analysis for categorical and continuous variables was used, then a logistic model to identify predictors of surgical success was adjusted. For data tabulation and analysis Stata®12 (StataCorp. 2011. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP) statistical software was used. Results: 204 stapedectomies were assessed, 24.51%% with abnormal stapes bones, the gross appearance of the stage was not related to the microscopic result (p =0.476), no association between pre-surgical air audiometric thresholds (p =0.291) and bone (p =0.824) with histopathologic severity was found. The improved postoperative airway threshold (p =0.326) and air-bone gap closure (p =0.23) did not correlate with histology. Conclusion: Stapedostomy primary outcome, ie, improvement in hearing thresholds, as well as the air-bone gap, were significant. Routine pathological stapes bone study had no prognostic value in contrast to other factors analyzed in this study.

Resultados a longo prazo da cirurgia da otosclerose / Long term outcome of otosclerosis surgery

O tratamento da otosclerose é preferencialmente cirúrgico e consiste na estapedotomia/estapedectomia, cujos bons resultados imediatos estão bem documentados. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os resultados audiométricos da cirurgia da otosclerose a longo prazo. Desenho: Estudo retrospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Incluíram-se os doentes submetidos à estapedotomia/estapedectomia parcial no nosso Serviço e melhoria da audição pós-operatória comprovada. Convocaram-se os doentes para reavaliação audiométrica e compareceram 41 (47 ouvidos). Compararam-se os valores obtidos com os prévios à cirurgia e do pós-operatório imediato. RESULTADOS: A mediana do seguimento tardio foi de 11 anos. Nesta data, 49% dos doentes tinham audição normal ou um grau de hipoacusia ligeira. Os valores médios dos PTA (Pure Tone Average) aéreo e ósseo, pré, pós e pós-operatório tardio foram 64,4 e 27,0 dB, 35,6 e 22,3 dB e 44,1 e 29,5 dB, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia da otosclerose tem bons resultados a longo prazo porque, apesar do agravamento dos limiares, o grau de hipoacusia, 10 anos depois, é inferior ao pré-operatório.

The treatment of otosclerosis is eminently surgical. Good immediate results have been well documented when stapedotomy or stapedectomy are chosen. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess long term audiometric performance after otosclerosis surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: this retrospective study enrolled stapedotomy and partial stapedectomy patients seen at our service with proven hearing improvement after surgery. Forty-one patients (47 ears) accepted the invitation to be reassessed. Audiometry results before and immediately after surgery were compared. RESULTS: the median late follow-up was 11 years. To this date, 49% of the patients had normal hearing or mild dysacusis. Preoperative, postoperative, and late postoperative bone and air pure tone averages were 64.4 and 27.0 dB, 35.6 and 22.3 dB, and 44.1 and 29.5 dB respectively. CONCLUSION: Otosclerosis surgery offers good long term results. Despite the worsening of thresholds, the level of hypacusis ten years after surgery is lower than the levels observed before surgery.

Historia del estribo en el Río de la Plata hasta mediados del siglo XX / The history of stapedius in the River Plate until mid 20th century

El estribo, último descubrimiento óseo, fue hallado en forma accidental por Philippi Ingrassia en 1546. Constancius Varolio, en 1531, describió por primera vez el músculo del estribo. Antonio María Valsalva encontró la anquilosis estapedio vestibular en la necropsia de un sordo profundo en 1704 y asimismo hizo mención a los líquidos laberínticos.A mediados del siglo XIX, Joseph Toynbee realizó estudios microscópicos sobre 2.000 temporales y describió con precisión la enfermedad que años después Adam Politzer llamaríaotosclerosis. Este mismo autor y casi todos los grandes otólogos de fines del siglo XIX procedieron a continuación a condenar las operaciones sobre el estribo, léase las movilizaciones de Ernest Mach y Johannes Kessel y la estapedectomía de Frederick Jack. Enel siglo XX, la perseverancia de Maurice Sourdille, alumno de los suecos Gunnar Holmgren y Carl Olof Nylen, creadores de la microscopía otológica, llevó la fenestración a algunos éxitos luego de más de diez años de esfuerzos. A continuación y muy rápidamente, Julius Lempert y George Shambaugh modificaron la técnica e impulsaron la apertura laberíntica en un solo tiempo, con mejores resultados. Samuel Rosen, de Nueva York, redescubrió la movilización en 1952 y cuatro años después John Shea, de Memphis, Tennessee, hizo lo mismo con la estapedectomía. En el Río de la Plata, la primera mención académica sobre el tema osicular correspondió a Pedro Belou, que a lo largo de 20 años de penosas disecciones (1912-1931) publicó finalmente un excelente Atlas de anatomía del oído. Martín Castro Escalada también debe ser recordado por su tesis primacial de 1914 acerca deldesarrollo del aparato auditivo en los mamíferos. Por último, dos grandes latinoamericanos, Mario Rius de Uruguay y Juan Manuel Tato deArgentina, enseñaron en esta región del mundo los estudios anatómicos y desarrollaron las destrezas quirúrgicas que llevaron a la Escuela Otológica Rioplatense a su actual nivel deexcelencia.

The stapedius, the last bone discovered was found by accident by Philippi Ingrassia in 1546. In 1531 ConstanciusVarolio had described the stapedius muscle for the first time. Antonio María Valsalva found stapedio-vestibularankylosis at the necropsy of a profoundly deaf person in 1704 and he also mentioned the existence of labyrinthine liquids. During the mid 19th Century, Joseph Toynbee conductedmiscroscope studies on over 2,000 temporal muscles and he accurately described the disease Adam Politzer would later call otosclerosis. This same author and almost all great otologists of late 19th Century were against stapedial surgery - see initiatives by Ernest Mach y Johannes Kessel and stapedectomy by Frederick Jack. In the 20th Century Maurice Sourdille, a disciple of Swedish Gunnar Holmgren and Carl Olof Nylen, founders ofmicroscopic otologic surgery, achieved certain success in fenestration after over ten years of efforts. Soon after, Julius Lempert and George Shambaughmodified the technique and fostered the opening of the labyrinth in a single time surgery, what resulted in a betteroutcome. Samuel Rosen, in New York rediscovered this re-positioning in 1952 and four years later John Shea, formMemphis, Tennessee also rediscovered stapedectomy. In the River Plate, the first academic reference to ossicularissues was made by Pedro Belou, who finally published an excellent Atlas on the earÆs anatomy after twentyyears (1912-1931) of hard dissections.We also need to remember Martín Castro Escalada due to his primacy thesis of 1914 on the development of thehearing system in mammals. Last, two great Latin Americans, Mario Rius from Uruguay and Juan Manuel Tato from Argentina taught in the area of the world the anatomic studies and developed surgical skills that led the River Plate School of Otology to its current level of excellence.

O estribo, último osso a ser descrito, foi encontrado acidentalmente por Philippi Ingrassia em 1546. ConstanciusVarolio, em 1531, descreveu pela primeira vez o músculo do estribo. Antonio Maria Valsalva encontrou a anquilose estapedio vestibular na necropsia de um homem com umasurdez profunda em 1704 e também fez menção aos líquidos do labirinto. No século XIX, Joseph Toynbee realizou estudos microscópicos sobre 2.000 temporais e descreveu com precisão a doença que anos depois Adam Politzerdenominaria otoesclerose. Este mesmo autor e quase todos os grandes otologistas do fim do século XIX condenavam as operações sobre o estribo, como se pode observar na leitura das mobilizações de Ernest Mach e Johannes Kessel e na estapedectomia de Frederick Jack. No século XX, a perseverança de Maurice Sourdille, alunodos suecos Gunnar Holmgren e Carl Olof Nylen, criadores da microscopia otológica, fez com que a fenestração fosse bem sucedida depois de mais de dez anos de esforços. Em seguida e rapidamente, Julius Lempert e GeorgeShambaugh modificaram a técnica e propuseram abrir o labirinto no mesmo momento, com melhores resultados.Samuel Rosen, de Nova York, redescobriu em 1952 a mobilização e quatro anos depois John Shea, de Memphis, Tennessee, a estapedectomía.No Rio da Prata, a primeira menção acadêmica sobre o tema ossicular foi feita por Pedro Belou, que depois de 20anos de penosas dissecções (1912-1931) finalmente publicou um excelente Atlas de anatomia do ouvido. Martín Castro Escalada também deve ser recordado por sua tese de 1914 sobre o desenvolvimento do aparelho auditivo em mamíferos. Por último, dois grandes latinoamericanos, Mario Rius do Uruguai e Juan Manuel Tato da Argentina, ensinaram nesta Região estudos anatômicos e desenvolveram destrezascirúrgicas que fizeram com que a Escola Otológica do Rio da Prata chegasse ao seu atual nível de excelência.

Resultados auditivos y hallazgos quirúrgicos en pacientes con cirugía bilateral por otoesclerosis / Audiological outcome and surgical findings in patients with bilateral surgery for otosclerosis

Introducción: A pesar de las ventajas de la audición biaural, el manejo quirúrgico del segundo oído en pacientes con otoesclerosis bilateral fue por años un tema controversial debido a su riesgo potencial de hipoacusia sensorioneural. Objetivo: Describir los resultados audiológicos y quirúrgicos en pacientes operados bilateralmente por otoesclerosis en nuestro hospital entre 1988-2011. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo de 56 pacientes en quienes se realizó cirugía de otoesclerosis en ambos oídos, mediante revisión de fichas clínicas. Resultados: En 13,5 por ciento de 415 pacientes se realizó cirugía bilateral. La edad promedio fue 44,2 +/- 7,7 (hombres) y 42,0 +/- 10,4 años (mujeres). La mejoría de los umbrales auditivos aéreos promedios en la primera y segunda cirugía fue de 33,6y 29,2 dB respectivamente, mientras que la de los umbrales óseos fue de 7,0y 3,0 dB correspondientemente. Las dificultades quirúrgicas para la primera y segunda cirugía fueron, respectivamente: platina flotante 0 por ciento y 2,5° por ciento, platina obliterada 5,4 por ciento y 5,1 por ciento, nicho profundo 5,4 por ciento y 0 por ciento, facial proscidente 38,5 por ciento y 43,2 por ciento, facial dehiscente 18,2 por ciento y 13,8 por ciento y sección de cuerda del tímpano 2 por ciento y 5,7 por ciento. Discusión: Los resultados auditivos del segundo oído son comparables a los de la primera cirugía. Esto, junto a la ausencia de complicaciones significativas, apoya la realización de intervenciones quirúrgicas bilaterales en otoesclerosis. Conclusión: La cirugía del segundo oído en hipoacusia bilateral por otoesclerosis es una alternativa segura y confiable.

Introduction: Despite the advantages of binaural hearing, surgical management of the second ear in patients with bilateral otosclerosis was for years a controversial topic due to the risk of sensorineural hearing loss. Aim: To describe the surgical and audiological results of patients with bilateral surgeries for otosclerosis in our hospital between 1988-2011. Material and method: Retrospective study based on clinical charts revision. Results: 13.5 percent of the 415 patients underwent bilateral surgery. The average age was 44.2 +/- 7.7 (men) and 42.0 +/- 10.4 years (women). There was a 33.6 dB improvement in average air-conduction hearing thresholds in the first surgery and 29.2 dB for the second, while the mean bone-conduction improved 7.0 and 3.0 dB for the first and second surgery correspondingly. The surgical difficulties found in the first and second surgeries were, respectively: floating platens 0 percent and 2.5 percent, obliterated platens 5.4 percent and 5.1 percent, deep niche 5.4 percent and 0 percent, facial overhang 38.5 percent and 43.2 percent, dehiscent facial 18.2 percent and 13.8 percent and chorda tympani section 2 percent and 5.7 percent. Discussion: Hearing results for the second ear were comparable to the first surgery. This, together with the absence of significant complications, supports a bilateral surgical approach. Conclusion: Surgery of the second ear in bilateral hypoacusia due to otosclerosis has proven to be a safe and reliable alternative.

Estapedotomia totalmente endoscópica: técnica e resultados preliminares / Fully endoscopic stapes surgery (stapedotomy): technique and preliminary results

Estapedotomias são realizadas atualmente com o auxílio de microscópios cirúrgicos. Entretanto, o uso do microscópio possui algumas limitações, podendo causar algumas complicações, como lesão no nervo corda do tímpano. Há poucos casos e nenhuma série publicada sobre a utilização de endoscópios nasossinusais na realização de estapedotomias. OBJETIVOS: a) Investigar o uso do endoscópio nasossinusal em estapedotomias, com foco na visualização de estruturas importantes. b) Mostrar os resultados iniciais, discutindo as possíveis vantagens e desvantagens deste instrumento. METODOLOGIA: 15 pacientes com otosclerose foram selecionados para realizar estapedotomias em 2010. Os dados e vídeo cirúrgico foram analisados retrospectivamente (estudo de série de casos). As condições anatômicas do nicho da janela oval e passos cirúrgicos foram descritos para avaliar possíveis benefícios do procedimento endoscópico. RESULTADOS: As cirurgias foram realizadas exclusivamente com endoscópios e todas as estruturas com relevância anatômica, visualizadas sem maiores dificuldades. Nenhuma complicação foi observada e 14 dos 15 pacientes referiram melhora auditiva, confirmada com exames audiológicos pós-operatórios. CONCLUSÃO: Estapedotomias totalmente endoscópicas são tecnicamente viáveis, seguras e promissoras. Nesta pequena série as principais vantagens foram: praticamente nenhum trauma no nervo corda do tímpano e excelente campo de visão. As desvantagens foram falta de visão estereoscópica, trabalho unimanual e curva de aprendizado.

Stapedotomies are perfomed with the aid of surgical microscopes. However, the microscope has some limitations and may cause complications such as damage to the chorda tympani nerve. There are just a few cases and no series published on the use of sino-nasal endoscopes in stapedotomies. OBJECTIVES: a) To investigate the feasibility of using sino-nasal endoscopes in stapedotomies, focusing on the visualization of important structures. b) To show initial results, discuss possible advantages and disadvantages of this instrument. METHODS: 15 patients with otosclerosis were selected to undergo stapedotomies in 2010. The data and surgery videos were analyzed retrospectively (study case series). The anatomical conditions of the oval window niche and surgical steps were described and used to assess possible benefits of such procedures. RESULTS: The surgeries were performed with endoscopes only and all relevant anatomical structures were visualized without difficulty. No complications were observed and 14 of the 15 patients reported improvement of their hearing, confirmed by postoperative audiological tests. CONCLUSION: Totally endoscopic stapes surgeries are technically feasible, safe and promising. In this small series, the main advantages were: virtually no trauma to the chorda tympani nerve and excellent vision. The disadvantages were the lack of stereoscopic vision, having to work with one hand only and the learning curve.

Revisión de la experiencia clínica en el manejo quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis / Revision of clinical experience in the surgical management of otosclerosis

Introduction: Otosclerosis is a disease that produces a conductive hearing loss. It consists of an abnormal bone growth called otospongiosis that develops a stapes fixation. It is a hereditary disease but the specific cause is unknown. Its surgical management has shown good audiometric results and low complication rates. Aim: To describe the clinical experience in our Unit, with bilateral and unilateral surgeries in patients with Otosclerosis. Methods: A retrospective study on clinical charts revision. Results: 415 patients underwent surgery for Otosclerosis. 359 patients had a unilateral procedure and 56 patients had a bilateral surgery (13,5 percent). Mostly women (67,9 percent). There was no difference between the results of both ears. The Average air-conductive hearing improvement in the first surgery was 29,9 +/- 3,4 dB, and in the second surgery was 30,6 +/- 3,4 dB. The most frequent complication was the section of the chorda tympani (2 percent). Discussion: The surgical treatment for Otosclerosis is a safe procedure with excellent audiometrical results and low complication rates. Our results are similar to those in literature. The number of this procedure has increased every year in our institution and we have demonstrated that surgery in both ears is safe with good results.

Prótese ossicular em orelha média: o que procurar?: [revisão] / Prosthetic ossicular on middle ear: what look?: [review]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar os achados tomográficos normais e patológicos encontrados no pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos a implantes de prótese ossicular, avaliados retrospectivamente por tomografia computadorizada. A estapedectomia com inserção de prótese é considerada o método ideal em indivíduos com fechamento da janela oval secundário a otosclerosefenestral ou causas inflamatórias. Vários tipos de prótese são utilizados, dependendo da extensãoda doença e preferência do cirurgião. Os autores, após revisão da literatura, descrevem os achadospós-operatórios considerados normais e as várias complicações inerentes ao procedimentocirúrgico, incluindo perfuração da membrana timpânica, processo inflamatório pós-operatório, necrosecom subluxação ou extrusão da prótese, desenvolvimento de granuloma/colesteatoma oufibrose periprotética, fístula perilinfática, lesão do nervo facial, dentre outras. Os achados tomográficos relacionados ao pós-operatório, bem como às complicações supracitadas, são de grande importância para o conhecimento dos radiologistas, sendo imprescindível para a propedêutica diagnóstica uma estreita correlação clínico-cirúrgica.

The aim of this essay was to demonstrate the normal and pathological CT findings of the post-operative imaging of patients underwent ossicular prosthesis implants. The stapedectomy replacedby prosthesis is considered the “gold standard” treatment of patients with oval window closure, related to otosclerosis or otherinflammatory conditions. Several types of prosthesis are availableand the choice depends on the extension of the disease or thesurgeon’s preferences. Based on extensive literature review, thenormal postoperative findings, as well as some surgery inherentcomplications were described, including among others: perforationof the tympanic membrane, necrosis associated with subluxation/extrusion of the prosthesis. granuloma/cholesteatoma or periprosthetic fibrosis, perilymphatic fistula, facial nerve damage. The knowledge of post-operative and related complications CT findings is extremely useful for head and neck radiologist, but it is essentialfor an assertive diagnoses a close clinical correlation.

Gusher em estapedotomia: relato de caso / Gusher in stapedotomy: a case report

Introdução: "Gusher" é um fenômeno raro que consiste em súbita saída de líquido céfalo-raquidiano durante a realização da estapedotomia ou estapedectomia. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de "gusher" durante uma estapedotomia e discutir a correlação com a síndrome congênita ligada ao X. Relato do Caso: Paciente NT, 49 anos de idade, sexo feminino, branca, com história de hipoacusia progressiva unilateral direita há 18 anos com piora nos últimos 02 anos com diagnóstico de otosclerose. Realizado estapedotomia com saída súbita de líquido céfalo-raquidiano após platinotomia, sendo realizado selamento da janela oval com gordura de lóbulo de orelha. Conclusões: Esta complicação deve ser considerada em casos de otosclerose, onde o diagnóstico pré-operatório de hipertensão perilinfática é mais difícil em relação a síndrome congênita ligada ao X.

Introduction: "Gusher" is a rare phenomenon that consists in sudden exit of cerebrospinal fluid during the course of stapedotomy or stapedectomy. Objective: To report a case of "gusher" during a stapedotomy and discuss the correlation with X-linked congenital syndrome. Case Report: Patient NT, 49 years old, Caucasian female with history of right unilateral progressive hearing loss for 18 years with worsening in the last 02 years with a diagnosis of otosclerosis. It was performed stapedotomy with sudden exit of cerebrospinal fluid after platinotomia, being carried out sealing the oval window fat ear lobe. Final Comments: This complication should be considered in cases of otosclerosis, where the preoperative diagnosis of perilymphatic hypertension is more difficult for X-linked congenital syndrome.

Trastornos del gusto posestapedostomías / Post stapedectomy taste disorders

Introducción: En su trayecto por el oído medio el nervio cuerda del tímpano (CT), se ve expuesto a lesiones quirúrgicas. Los trastornos del gusto se presentan como posibles secuelas del daño sobre la CT, lo cual puede afectar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. En las estapedostomías, la CT debe ser movilizada frecuentemente, y a veces seccionada para accederá la platina del estribo. Objetivo: Evaluar la evolución temporal de los trastornos del gusto posestapedostomías y su correlación con la preservación de la CT. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo entre los años 2002 y 2007. Se analizaron las fichas clínicas y protocolos operatorios en busca de preservación o sección de la CT durante la cirugía. Se aplicó un mini cuestionario para evaluar la función gustativa y su evolución en el tiempo. Resultados: La CT fue preservada en 131 pacientes (93 por ciento) y seccionada en 10 pacientes (7 por ciento). La incidencia de alteraciones del gusto fue 7,6 por ciento> (10 pacientes) en el grupo con preservación de la CT y 20 por ciento> (2 pacientes) en el grupo que se seccionó (p >0,05). Todos los pacientes tuvieron una recuperación completa en su función gustativa antes de 12 meses luego de la cirugía, siendo más rápida en el grupo con preservación que en el que se seccionó la CT(5 meses versus 11 meses respectivamente). Conclusiones: Las alteraciones del gusto están presentes en pacientes sometidos a estapedostomías incluso cuando la CT es preservada. Cuando es seccionada no siempre se presentan trastornos del gusto, pero cuando están son más severos y duraderos.

Introduction: In its course through middle ear, the chorda tympani nerve (CTN) is potentially exposed to surgical injury. Possible sequels of CTN injury are taste disorders, which can affect the life quality of patients. During stepedectomies, the CTN often must be displaced or even severed in order to gain access to the stapes footplate. Aim: To assess the temporal evolution of post stepedectomy taste disorders and their correlation with CTN preservation. Material and Method: A retrospective study was conducted between 2002 and 2007. Medical records of 141 patients subjected to stapedectomy were analyzed in search for CTN preservation or section during surgery. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate postoperative taste function and its evolution over time. Results: CTN was preserved in 131 patients (93 percent) and sectioned in 10 patients (7 percent). The incidence of taste disorders was 7.6 percent (10 patients) in the CTN preserved group and 20 percent> (2 patients) in the CTN severed group (p>0.05). All patients had fully recovered taste function by 12 months after surgery, recovery being faster in the CTN preserved group than in the CTN severed group (5 months vs. 11 months respectively). Conclusions: Taste disorders may be present in patients subjected to stapedectomy even when CTN is preserved; taste disorders are more severe and long lasting in cases where the CTN is sectioned.