Conventional vs. diode laser stapedotomy: audiological outcomes and clinical safety.

PURPOSE: To compare the hearing results and clinical safety of patients undergoing stapes surgery with conventional technique and diode laser. METHODS: Retrospective observational study, which included patients treated with primary stapes surgery performed between January 2009 and January 2020. Three audiometric measurements (PTA, GAP and SDS) were evaluated as main results, evaluated by analysis of covariance (controlling the preoperative value). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also analyzed. Outcomes were measured 6 months (± 1 month) after surgery. RESULTS: 153 cases were included, 97 operated with conventional technique and 56 with laser technique. Postoperative GAP ≤ 10 dB was obtained in 85.6% of the total sample, 82.5% in the conventional technique and 91.1% in the laser technique. Analysis of covariance showed no significant differences in the three surgery outcomes between the two groups (PTA, p = 0.277; GAP, p = 0.509 and SDS, p = 0.530). Regarding surgical complications, sensorineural damage was higher in the conventional technique group (p = 0.05). On the other hand, there were four cases of facial paresis, all in the laser group, three of them with the 980 nm laser. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy offered a high percentage of hearing success in the two groups studied. There were no significant differences in audiometric result, but there was a differential presentation of complications, being more frequent sensorineural hearing loss in the conventional technique group and facial paresis in the laser group.

Importance of Diameter of Long Process of Incus in Stapedotomy-New Findings From In Vivo Study

Abstract Introduction Stapes surgery for otosclerosis is a precise surgical procedure. To achieve excellent hearing results, a firm and stable attachment of the prosthesis to the long process of incus (LPI) is necessary. The present study provides details on the attachment site in two dimensions to choose an appropriate prosthesis and to ensure firm attachment for better surgical outcomes. Objective To study the diameter of the LPI and its relevance in determining the piston, used in stapes surgery by an in vivo method. Methods This study was conducted in 41 patients who underwent stapedotomy, where both Anteroposterior (AP) and Mediolateral (ML) diameters of the LPI were measured at the site of attachment of the piston using specially designed instruments, intraoperatively. Radiological data were obtained to measure the LPI diameter from the normal ears of 46 patients. It was measured from both the right and left side, hence 92 LPI diameters were obtained. Results The most commonly used site for prosthesis attachment is between 1-1.5 mm away from the tip of the LPI. We found great variability in the diameters of LPI in the attachment site, with the AP diameter ranging between 0.6 -1.5mm and the ML diameter ranging between 0.5mm-1.2mm. Conclusion Pistons by design have characteristics of gripping incus that will vary between types. Based on LPI dimensions, ideal piston types with appropriate inner loop diameters are suggested in this study. HRCT before surgery should include measurements of the LPI as a guide to the choice of the prosthesis during surgery.

Importance of Diameter of Long Process of Incus in Stapedotomy-New Findings From In Vivo Study.

Introduction Stapes surgery for otosclerosis is a precise surgical procedure. To achieve excellent hearing results, a firm and stable attachment of the prosthesis to the long process of incus (LPI) is necessary. The present study provides details on the attachment site in two dimensions to choose an appropriate prosthesis and to ensure firm attachment for better surgical outcomes. Objective To study the diameter of the LPI and its relevance in determining the piston, used in stapes surgery by an in vivo method. Methods This study was conducted in 41 patients who underwent stapedotomy, where both Anteroposterior (AP) and Mediolateral (ML) diameters of the LPI were measured at the site of attachment of the piston using specially designed instruments, intraoperatively. Radiological data were obtained to measure the LPI diameter from the normal ears of 46 patients. It was measured from both the right and left side, hence 92 LPI diameters were obtained. Results The most commonly used site for prosthesis attachment is between 1-1.5 mm away from the tip of the LPI. We found great variability in the diameters of LPI in the attachment site, with the AP diameter ranging between 0.6 -1.5mm and the ML diameter ranging between 0.5mm-1.2 mm. Conclusion Pistons by design have characteristics of gripping incus that will vary between types. Based on LPI dimensions, ideal piston types with appropriate inner loop diameters are suggested in this study. HRCT before surgery should include measurements of the LPI as a guide to the choice of the prosthesis during surgery.

Revision Stapedotomies: The Role of Periprosthetic Scar Tissue Formation in the Development of Unsatisfactory Hearing Results after Stapedotomy

Abstract Introduction Revision stapes surgeries are difficult to perform, and their audiological results are inferior to primary surgeries. Objective Our goal was to identify the most common and most influential postoperative reasons that cause persistent air-bone gap (ABG) after the primary surgery. Our focus was concentrated on the mechanical dysfunctions in the middle ear, with special regard to postoperative adhesion formation. Methods We performed a retrospective case series study with 23 cases that underwent revision stapedotomies. Results A significant improvement was seen in ABG and air conduction levels after surgery. The periprosthetic adhesion formation was seen in 65% of the cases, and it was the primary cause behind the unsatisfactory hearing result in 30% of cases. There was no significant difference in the level of persistent ABGs after the primary surgery, in case of the intratympanic adhesion presence, compared with the presence of other surgical failures. Concerning hearing and ABG gain after revision surgery, the non-inferiority of the negative effect associated with adhesion was shown compared with the other reasons. Conclusion The revision stapedotomy is an efficient treatment option in case of persistent ABG. Periprosthetic adhesions are the most common intratympanic reasons for compromised audiological outcomes after stapedotomy.

Revision Stapedotomies: The Role of Periprosthetic Scar Tissue Formation in the Development of Unsatisfactory Hearing Results after Stapedotomy.

Introduction Revision stapes surgeries are difficult to perform, and their audiological results are inferior to primary surgeries. Objective Our goal was to identify the most common and most influential postoperative reasons that cause persistent air-bone gap (ABG) after the primary surgery. Our focus was concentrated on the mechanical dysfunctions in the middle ear, with special regard to postoperative adhesion formation. Methods We performed a retrospective case series study with 23 cases that underwent revision stapedotomies. Results A significant improvement was seen in ABG and air conduction levels after surgery. The periprosthetic adhesion formation was seen in 65% of the cases, and it was the primary cause behind the unsatisfactory hearing result in 30% of cases. There was no significant difference in the level of persistent ABGs after the primary surgery, in case of the intratympanic adhesion presence, compared with the presence of other surgical failures. Concerning hearing and ABG gain after revision surgery, the non-inferiority of the negative effect associated with adhesion was shown compared with the other reasons. Conclusion The revision stapedotomy is an efficient treatment option in case of persistent ABG. Periprosthetic adhesions are the most common intratympanic reasons for compromised audiological outcomes after stapedotomy. Adhesion formations have the same negative effect on ABG development as any other surgical failure, and the revision could be more challenging in these cases. These findings highlight the use of the most atraumatic surgical technique and preservation of intact intratympanic mucosa during middle ear surgery.

Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of Stapedotomy Patients: Audiological Outcomes and Associated Factors in a Middle Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term (postoperative), medium-term (5 years), and long-term (10 and 15 years) audiometric results of patients who underwent stapedotomy and to determine specific factors associated with better postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case review of 486 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation who underwent microscopic small fenestra stapedotomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and medium- and long-term air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and air-bone gap (ABG) were assessed. Postoperative factors associated with better postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: At 10- and 15-year follow-ups, ABG, AC, and BC were significantly deteriorated but clinically preserved in comparison with postoperative results. According to a multiple quantile regression, younger age was associated with better postoperative results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.003) and 4 kHz (p = 0.028) and a smaller preoperative ABG was associated with better audiometric results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.048), 0.5 kHz (p = 0.001), and 4 kHz (p = 0.001). In addition, younger age (p = 0.001 for AC and p < 0.001 for BC) and preoperative AC PTA (p < 0.001 for AC) were significantly associated with better postoperative AC and BC PTA. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy surgery provides short-, medium-, and long-term hearing benefits in our studied cohort. ABG, AC, and BC thresholds obtained after the surgery are clinically preserved in 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-ups, with an age-expected BC deterioration. Smaller preoperative ABG and younger age were positive predictors for better postoperative ABG. Future research should address long-term subjective and quality of life outcomes.

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.

Estapedotomía con abordaje totalmente endoscópico para el manejo de otoesclerosis: experiencia de un hospital en Bogotá / Total endoscopic stapedotomy for otosclerosis: the experience of a hospital in Bogota

Objetivo: describir la experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis con estapedotomía totalmente endoscópica en el Servicio de Otología del Hospital Infantil Universitario de San José en Bogotá, entre enero 2017 y diciembre 2018. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de serie de casos con recolección prospectiva, en el cual se evaluaron los pacientes con diagnóstico de otoesclerosis manejados con estapedotomía endoscópica para determinar hallazgos audiológicos prequirúrgicos, detalles de técnica quirúrgica, desenlace auditivo y complicaciones. Resultados: se incluyeron 10 pacientes con otoesclerosis manejados con estapedotomía totalmente endoscópica. La mediana del GAP aero-óseo (GAO) preoperatorio fue 22,4dB (RIQ 15,6-28,3), logoaudiometría con mediana de discriminación del lenguaje al 100% a 72,5dB (RIQ 67,5-77,5). GAO postoperatorio (POP) de 5,3db (RIQ 3,87-6,61), una mediana de logoaudiometría al 100% de 50dB (RIQ 46,25- 61,25). El 90% de pacientes requirió movilización del nervio cuerda del tímpano, ninguno con sección del mismo. El 90% requirió fresado de la pared posterosuperior. El 30% presentó procidencia del nervio facial grado 1. El 30% presentó disgeusia en el POP temprano que persistió en dos pacientes a los 3 meses POP. El 60% presentó vértigo en el POP inmediato, todos con resolución a los 3 meses. Ningún paciente presentó dolor en el POP inmediato, solo un paciente presentó dolor leve a los 8 días. Conclusión: la estapedotomía totalmente endoscópica para el manejo de la otoesclerosis, ha demostrado ser una opción terapéutica segura con alta tasa de éxito, mejoría auditiva con un cierre GAO exitoso y bajo riesgo de complicaciones.

Objective: to describe the experience in the surgical management of otosclerosis with total endoscopic stapedotomy in the Otology Department of the Hospital Universitario Infantil de San José in Bogotá, between January 2017 and December 2018. Methods: descriptive case series. Patients diagnosed with otosclerosis who were managed with endoscopic stapedotomy were evaluated to determine preoperative audiologic testing, details of the surgical technique, auditory outcomes and complications. Results: ten cases of otosclerosis managed with endoscopic stapedotomy were included. The median preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 22,4 DB (IQR 15.6-28.3) and in the speech audiometry the median speech discrimination was 100% at 72.5 dB (IQR 67.5-77, 5). The postoperative ABG was 5.3 dB (IQR 3,87- 6,61) and in the speech audiometry the median speech discrimination was 100% at 50 dB with a (IQR 46.25-61.25). 90% of the patients required mobilization of the corda tympani nerve and none required section of it. 90% required drilling or curettage of the scutum. 30% presented with grade 1 facial nerve prolapse. 30% presented disgeusia, 60% immediate postoperative vertigo with resolution at 3 months and no patient presented pain in immediate postoperative. Conclusion: endoscopic stapedotomy for the management of otosclerosis has proven to be a safe treatment option with high success rates, auditory improvement with a successful ABG closure and low risk of complications.

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.

Does stapes surgery improve tinnitus in patients with otosclerosis?

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.

Surgical and Audiologic Outcomes in Endoscopic Stapes Surgery across 4 Institutions.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate intra- and postoperative outcomes of endoscopic stapes surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Four tertiary care otologic centers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five subjects 18 years and older who underwent endoscopic stapes surgeries were analyzed. Variables analyzed included surgical techniques and intraoperative findings. Outcomes measured included postoperative hearing and complications to date. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average patient age was 48.1 years (range, 26-87 years), with 60.0% female patients. Patients had a median follow-up of 5.13 months (range, 0.8-57.4 months). Of the subjects, 71.7% required scutum removal. The chorda tympani nerve was manipulated in 94.0% of subjects and transected in 12.0%. At last follow-up visit, the median air-bone gap decreased from 34.5 dB hearing level (HL) preoperatively to 9.0 dB HL postoperatively (P < .0001). Ninety percent of subjects had closure of their air-bone gap ≤20 dB HL. Intraoperative complications included tympanic membrane tears in 8.0% of subjects, all of which resolved at first follow-up. Postoperatively, 10.0% of subjects complained of altered taste. CONCLUSIONS: The present multicentered study of endoscopic stapes surgery demonstrates similar audiometric and postoperative outcomes previously published in the literature, with a median postoperative air-bone gap of 9.0 dB HL. Future prospective endoscopic stapes surgery studies, addressing the need for scutum removal, postoperative taste changes, and pain scores, are merited.

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.

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.