Multicenter Study of Congenital Middle Ear Anomalies. Report on 246 Ears.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Congenital middle ear anomalies represent a relatively rare condition. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and the surgical outcomes for patients with middle ear anomalies. METHODS: A multicenter study was conducted of consecutive patients with congenital middle ear anomalies who underwent primary surgical treatment between January 2008 and December 2017. Demographics, surgical procedures, and audiometric data were registered into the institutional database. Hearing changes and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) were evaluated 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients (246 ears) (median age: 14 years, range: 4-75 years old) were included in this study. Anomalies were subdivided using the Teunissen and Cremers classification: 53 ears (22%) were categorized as class I, comprising only stapes ankylosis; 35 ears (14%) as class II, having ossicular chain anomalies with stapes ankylosis; 139 ears (57%) as class III, having ossicular chain anomalies with a mobile stapes-footplate; and 19 ears (8%) as class IV, with aplasia of the oval window. Evaluation of hearing outcomes for 198 ears with more than 1 year of follow-up revealed that good postoperative ABG (≤20 dB) was achieved in 82% of class I, 68% of class II, 74% of class III, and 23% of class IV anomalies. The postoperative ABG in class IV was significantly worse than in class I (P < .001) or class III (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that class III anomalies comprised the majority of middle ear anomalies and surgical outcomes for class IV anomalies are unfavorable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2323-E2328, 2021.

A Critical Look Into Stapedotomy Learning Curve: Influence of Patient Characteristics and Different Criteria Defining Success.

PURPOSE: To evaluate stapedotomy learning curve with cumulative summation methodology using different success criteria (ie, air-bone gap [ABG] ≤10 dB, ABG ≤15 dB, restoration of interaural symmetry, or hearing threshold gain >20 dB), and to assess patient characteristics influencing or modifying the learning curve. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of primary and revision stapedotomy cases performed by surgeon 1 (S1, n = 78) and surgeon 2 (S2, n = 85). RESULTS: Using the classic criterion for a successful stapedotomy (ABG ≤10 dB), patients with preoperative ABG >34 dB were associated with unsuccessful procedures (S1 P = .02; S2 P = .07). Revision surgery was associated with unsuccessful outcomes (S1 P = .005; S2 P = .0012). Cumulative summation plots using different criteria did not show a linear trend of association between stapedotomy success and number of operations, but preoperative characteristics of the patients who underwent stapedotomy significantly influenced the plots. Cumulative summation plots showed an initial increasing tendency with improving results, but when ear surgeons got more skilled, they operated on more complex cases (ie, patients with higher preoperative ABG or revision stapedotomy) and they could not meet the success criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative summation plots do not seem useful to evaluate the stapedotomy learning curve, as they do not correctly deal with heterogeneous case series. The increasing complexity of the stapedotomy patients during the surgeons' career impacts on the outcome of stapedotomy and confounds the evaluation of the growing skills of the surgeon. Stapedotomy audiological success rates are strongly influenced by the success criteria used.

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.

Effects of Pregnancy on Otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of pregnancy on otosclerosis is controversial. If pregnancy physiologically increases the risk of progression, females with children would be expected to receive stapedectomy earlier than childless females and males. Here, we seek to determine whether sex moderates the relationship between number of children and age at stapedectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study of national health care claims. SETTING: 2003 to 2016 Optum Clinformatics Data Mart. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In total, 6025 privately insured US adults (3553 females, 2472 males) who received stapedectomy for otosclerosis were queried for age and number of children at the time of initial surgery. RESULTS: The average age at stapedectomy was significantly lower in females than males (46.8 vs 48.1 years; t test, P < .0001). Females with children had a significantly lower age at surgery compared to childless females (39.3 vs 49.9 years; t test, P < .0001). Males with children similarly had a significantly lower age at surgery compared to childless males (40.5 vs 51.3 years; t test, P < .0001). A higher number of children was correlated with lower age for both females (Pearson, r = -0.3817, P < .0001) and males (Pearson, r = -0. 3675, P < .0001). Linear regression showed that younger age of surgery could be predicted by female sex and number of children (F(3, 6021) = 336.93, P < .001, R2 = 0.1437) with no significant interaction between sex and number of children (P = .186). CONCLUSION: Sex does not moderate the effect of increasing number of children on decreasing age at stapedectomy. Social, rather than biological, factors surrounding parenthood such as increased overall health care utilization may explain prior associations between pregnancy and otosclerosis.

Predictors of hearing outcomes after stapes surgery in otosclerosis.

Background: The current surgical treatment of otosclerosis is stapes surgery; however, few studies have reported the predictors of surgical outcomes.Aim/objective: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic predictors for postoperative hearing outcomes.Materials and methods: A total of 181 ears in 152 patients undergoing stapes surgery at a tertiary referral centre in Taiwan from 1996 to 2016 were retrospectively enrolled and preoperative and intraoperative parameters were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent predictors of postoperative hearing outcomes. A regression model was also established. Hearing success was defined as a postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) ≤10 dB.Results: In univariate analysis, the absence of floating footplate during surgery (p = .003) and small preoperative ABG (p = .014) were associated with successful hearing outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed the absence of floating footplate during surgery (p = .010) and small preoperative ABG (p = .015) remained independent predictors of postoperative hearing success.Conclusions and significance: Preoperative audiometric data and intraoperative finding may provide surgeons and patients with a better insight into surgical outcomes.

Stapes Surgery for Profound Hearing Loss Secondary to Otosclerosis.

The objective of this study is to evaluate stapes surgery in patients with otosclerosis and "profound" hearing loss. This means they meet hearing threshold criteria for cochlear implantation (CI). We performed a retrospective study and patient questionnaire. The results from 33 patients (35 ears) were recorded (mean age: 63.6, range: 40-85). The primary outcome measure was hearing thresholds recorded before and after surgery at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 kHz. Hearing thresholds at 2 and 4 kHz were also analyzed. Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) was used in 21 patients to assess life quality changes. Hearing thresholds improved in 80% of ears (mean improvement, 26.3 dB), were unchanged in 11.4%, and worsened in 8.6%. Mean GBI score was +20.7. Hearing aid use decreased in 23.8% and ceased in 28.6%. One patient subsequently underwent CI. For patients with profound otosclerosis, stapes surgery provides a quantitative improvement in hearing thresholds and improvement in quality of life, with reduced reliance on hearing aids. This avoids CI, auditory rehabilitation, and a change in quality and tonality of sound.

Stapedotomy using a 4 mm endoscope: any advantage over a microscope?

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the feasibility of endoscopic (4 mm) stapedotomy, and compare intra- and post-operative variations with microscopic stapedotomies. METHODS: Forty otosclerosis patients were scheduled for microscopic or endoscopic stapedotomy. Intra-operative variables compared were: incision, canalplasty, canal wall curettage for ossicular assessment, chorda tympani manipulation, ability to perform stapes footplate perforation before its supra-structure removal, and operative time. Post-operative variables compared were ear pain and hearing improvement. RESULTS: Of the 20 microscopy patients, 4 required endaural incision and canalplasty because of canal overhangs, and 7 required canal wall curettage for ossicular assessment. None of the 20 endoscopy patients required these procedures. Chorda tympani was manipulated in 13 and 6 patients in the microscopy and endoscopy groups respectively, while the stapes footplate could be perforated in 5 and 11 patients respectively. Mean operative time was 50.25 and 76.05 minutes in the microscopy and endoscopy groups respectively. In the endoscopy group, mean air-bone gap was 37.12 and 10.73 dB pre- and post-operation respectively; in the microscopy group, these values were 35.95 and 13.81 dB. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic stapedotomy has comparable hearing outcomes. Sinonasal endoscope serves as a better tool for: minimal incision, canalplasty avoidance, less chorda tympani mobilisation, and stapes footplate perforation ability.

[The diagnostics and surgical treatment of the patients presenting with otosclerosis in the Primorye Territory]. / Diagnostika i khirurgicheskoe lechenie patsientov s otosklerozom v Primorskom krae.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the effectiveness of the audiological and radiological diagnostic techniques as well as the results of the surgical treatment of the patients presenting with otosclerosis based at the hospital clinic of the Pacific State Medical University. The analysis included 49 surgical interventions for stapedoplasty carried out on 42 patients during the period from 2015 to 2017. The tympanic form of the disorder was diagnosed in 51.02% of the cases, the mixed form I in 16.28%, and the mixed form II in 32.7%. The excellent results within two months after surgery were obtained in 87.2% of the treated patients, the good and satisfactory results in 8.72% and 4.08% of them respectively.

Surgical treatment in children with otosclerosis and congenital stapes fixation: our experience and outcome.

AIM: To evaluate outcomes of stapes surgery in children with congenital stapes fixation and juvenile otosclerosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed from 1987 to 2013 to identify patients under 18 years old who underwent a stapes surgery. Patients' age, gender, pre- and postoperative audiograms, intraoperative findings including aetiology of stapes fixation, prosthesis type, and complications were analysed. RESULTS: 18 children (6 - 17 years old), all with bilateral conductive hearing loss were identified and 34 stapes surgeries were performed (two patients underwent surgery only on one side). The cause of fixation included juvenile otosclerosis in 88% and congenital stapes fixation in 12%. The mean pre-operative air-bone gap (ABG) was 36,24 dB (SD: 10,86) compared to a postoperative mean ABG of 7,74 (SD: 3,3) (p < 0.000). The profound sensorineural hearing loss was not observed in long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric stapes surgery has comparable results to stapedectomy in adults regardless of the cause of stapes fixation; however, the better hearing outcome was observed for cases of juvenile otosclerosis rather than congenital stapes fixation.

Stapes surgery in Sweden: evaluation of a national-based register.

The aim of the National Quality Registries is to monitor the outcome of healthcare given to patients. The Swedish Quality register for otosclerosis surgery is one of the nine official national registers for ear, nose and throat diseases in Sweden. Since 2004, surgical and audiological results and patient satisfaction scores have been systematically collected from a majority of the ear, nose and throat clinics performing stapes surgery in Sweden. The results of 1688 patients who underwent primary operations for otosclerosis were evaluated for 24 out of totally 26 clinics performing stapes surgery, between 2004 and 2010. The most common surgical technique reported was stapedotomy accomplished in an overnight stay. A majority of patients experienced improved hearing, and were satisfied with the preoperative counselling. Successful surgery, defined as an ABG closure ≤10 dB HL, was achieved in 69%, improvement in AC by ≥20 dB in 63% and BC not worsened by more than ≥5 dB in 93% of the patients. An overall low incidence of postoperative complications was reported. The outcome for ABG and BC was demonstrated to be independent of the number of operations performed by each clinic. An evaluation of the register and the results from the SQOS revealed that stapes surgery is a safe procedure with good hearing outcomes, low complication rates and a high rate of patient's satisfaction on a national level.

Review of a single surgeon's stapedotomy cases performed with a nickel titanium prosthesis over a 14-year period.

CONCLUSION: Stapes surgery with a nickel titanium prosthesis is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that leads to a significant improvement in hearing outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To identify the efficacy and safety of stapedotomy procedures performed with a nickel titanium prosthesis for patients with otosclerosis. METHODS: A review of 431 unique stapedotomies performed over 14 years by a single surgeon at an academic tertiary care center yielded 312 cases with nickel titanium prosthesis that met inclusion criteria of otosclerosis diagnosis, initial surgery in operative ear, and presence of pre-operative and post-operative audiograms. Pure-tone averages (PTA) at baseline and 8 weeks after surgery were calculated over four frequencies; 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Average air-bone gaps (ABG) were calculated from pre-operative and post-operative audiograms. RESULTS: Average pre-operative baseline PTA was 56.7 dB in the affected ear. Post-operative PTA was 30.1 dB, a 26.6 dB improvement. Initial average ABG was 29.7 dB, while post-operative ABG averaged 5.4 dB, a 24.2 dB improvement. Surgical success (closure of ABG within 10 dB) was achieved in 263 (84%) patients. Rate of surgical success was not correlated with age, gender, race, or affected ear. Complications included recurrent conductive hearing loss (14), progressive SNHL (4), and post-operative BPPV (3).

Stapes surgery: a National Survey of British Otologists.

To investigate individual stapes surgery practice in the UK, a retrospective study was conducted by postal questionnaire to all 'assumed' stapes-performing otologists. 225 questionnaires were sent out to practicing otologists in the UK. 184 replies (81.8 %) indicated that 134 (72.9 %) otologists perform stapes surgery [stapedectomy (8.2 %), stapedotomy (91.0 %) or other (0.8 %)]. The '6-10 stapes operation per year' category is the most common, with most using general anaesthetic (GA) (78.3 %). Unilateral surgery is advised in 89.6 %, and 96.3 % perform second-side surgery, with all advising the option of a hearing aid prior to surgery. The majority (88.1 %) would fit the prosthesis after removing the stapes, with the top three prostheses being Causse, Smart and Teflon (as described by respondents). 42.5 % always use a vein graft or fat to cover the fenestration, 9.3 % use a laser and 48.5 % carry out the surgery as a day case. For an overhanging facial nerve (less than 50 % of the footplate obscured), the majority stated that it would depend whether they would abandon surgery. 25.4 % have encountered a 'gusher' and 83.6 % would recommend revision surgery. 82.8 % have a registrar present when carrying out stapes operations, but 69.4 % only offer training to trainees with an otological interest. In the UK, stapedotomy is the preferred technique. Most prefer the Causse prosthesis, general anaesthesia and an inpatient stay. Hearing aids are advised prior to surgery. Day-case and inpatient practice is about equal. 'Gushers' are encountered rarely. Revision surgery is advised if a conductive loss returns. Flying is recommended from 6 weeks. Most otologists are willing to teach trainees with an otological interest.

[The results of the surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the elderly subjects].

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the subjects of advanced age. The medical histories of 19 patients aged above 65 years (20 ears) presenting with otosclerosis were available for the retrospective analysis. All of them had undergone surgical interventions (a total of 22 ones or 4.49% of the 489 operations performed between 2001 and 2012). The audiometric assessment was made at four wavelengths (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz). Primary surgery (n=18) was preceded by the determination of the high air and bone conductivity thresholds (76.18 dB and 42.15 dB respectively), with the mean bone to air interval (BAI) being 33.99 dB. The surgical treatment resulted in the improvement of hearing; in 83.33% of the cases, BAI was reduced to 10 dB or below this value. It is concluded that the surgical intervention on the stirrup bone for the treatment of otosclerosis in the patients above 65 years of age is a safe and efficacious method despite marked hearing impairment in this group of patients.

[Results of stapedotomies performed under general anesthesia]. / Ergebnisse nach Stapesplastik in Allgemeinanästhesie.

INTRODUCTION: It is recommended that a stapedotomy be performed under local anaesthesia to enable intraoperative monitoring of hearing and vestibular function. In contrast, we prefer to carry out stapedotomies under general anesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this practice has an adverse effect on hearing results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All stapedotomies performed in our department between May 2003 and February 2012 were included in the analysis. Revision surgery was excluded. All interventions were performed under general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube by the same surgeon using the same technique. Pure tone and speech audiometry, acoustic reflex testing and Schüller radiology were performed preoperatively. Follow-up examinations (pure tone and speech audiometry) took place 4-6 weeks following surgery. RESULTS: A total of 262 stapedotomies were carried out on 228 patients. Follow-up examinations could not be performed on six patients. Of the remaining 256 cases, closure of the air-bone gap to less than 10 dB was achieved in 220 patients (86%) and in 29 patients (11%) it was closed to less than 20 dB. Conductive hearing loss persisted in seven cases (3%). A mild sensorineural hearing loss with complete closure of the air-bone gap was experienced by two patients (0.8%). There was no instance of postoperative deafness. CONCLUSIONS: Performing stapedotomies under general rather than local anesthesia has no adverse effects on audiological results.

[Measurement of quality of life following stapes surgery]. / Lebensqualitätbewertung nach stapesoperationen.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to compare a German version of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) with the original English version and to describe quality of life following stapes surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Audiometry and a questionnaire on handicap in various listening situations were used to assess 36 patients with otosclerosis before and 6 months after stapes surgery. The GBI was used to estimate the change in quality of life following surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative air-bone gap closure was <10 dB in 71% of patients. The postoperative air conduction threshold was <30 dB in 48% of patients. Using the GBI, the mean benefit score was 28 and the general benefit score 42. The social support and physical health scores were both zero. Where the postoperative improvement in air conduction was >15 dB, a significant reduction in handicap in everyday life, watching TV, listening to the radio and making telephone calls was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The German version of the GBI showed an improvement in quality of life in various everyday situations following stapes surgery.

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.

Results of stapedotomy in otosclerosis with severe and profound hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical and functional results of 144 stapedotomies in patients with severe to profound hearing loss (SPHL) and to compare the success rate in this group with that of 1001 primary stapedotomies for mild to moderate hearing loss (MMHL). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. METHODS: The charts of 1369 consecutive stapedotomy cases were reviewed. One hundred twenty-seven patients (144 stapedotomies) with SPHL were included. The outcomes were analyzed according to the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines and evaluated with the Amsterdam Hearing Evaluating Plots and the Glasgow Benefit Plot. RESULTS: The magnitude of hearing improvement was greater in patients with SPHL compared with patients with MMHL. The mean gain in air conduction in patients with SPHL was 32 (+/- 13) dB compared with 23 (+/- 11) dB in the series of 1001 primary stapedotomies for MMHL. Air-bone gap closure < or = 10 dB was achieved in 63% of cases and < or = 20 dB in 90% of patients with SPHL, compared with 82% and 97%, respectively, in patients with MMHL. CONCLUSIONS: SPHL in otosclerosis is not infrequent, comprising 13% of all primary stapedotomies in this series. The magnitude of hearing improvement poststapedotomy is greater in SPHL compared with MMHL. Symmetric hearing could be achieved in two-thirds of patients, and normal hearing can be achieved in selected cases.

The Markham-Stouffville hospital experience with malleovestibulopexy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the hearing results of malleovestibulopexy (MVP) technique in the special situations encountered in revision stapedotomies and congenital middle ear malformations. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral stapes surgery center, community hospital. METHODS: Audiometric results of 1369 stapedotomies performed in Markham-Stouffville Hospital during a period from 1991 to 2006 were reviewed. The results of 24 MVP procedures employed for revision stapedotomy or for congenital conductive hearing loss were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Air-bone gap (ABG) closure, air conduction (AC) gain, speech reception threshold (SRT) improvement. RESULTS: Significant improvement in AC, ABG and SRT was demonstrated postoperatively. ABG closure within 20 dB was achieved in 61% of cases. One patient had transient postoperative vertigo. None of patients developed sensori neural hearing loss (SNHL) due to the surgery. CONCLUSION: When surgical options for middle ear reconstruction are limited due to stapes immobility combined with absent or eroded incus, MVP offers a useful alternative enabling good hearing results. In our experience, the laser-assisted MVP technique is associated with low risk of postoperative SNHL and vestibular symptoms. This method offers a valuable adjunct to standard middle ear reconstruction techniques.

Revision stapedectomy: an analysis of 201 operations.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent or persistent conductive hearing impairment as well as vertigo or tinnitus after a stapes operation can be treated by means of stapes revision surgery. We analyzed stapes revisions performed during the last 15 years at our institution. The aim was to ascertain the causes that led to the failure, to analyze the postrevision results, and to compare them with data from the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzes 201 stapes revisions performed in 175 patients between 1992 and 2006. The indications, intraoperative findings, and surgical techniques were analyzed. Functional results were evaluated by means of hearing tests before and after surgery (1-15 yr). Revisions were mainly performed by the transcanal approach through the fixed speculum under local anesthesia using the fiber-optic argon laser and the Skeeter microdrill. RESULTS: Indications for revision in 172 operations included lack of hearing improvement or recurrent conductive hearing loss. Six patients additionally had symptoms of vertigo. Sixteen patients experienced isolated vertigo despite improved hearing, 1 patient experienced intolerable tinnitus, and in 6 patients, the indication was deafness after stapedotomy.The most common intraoperative observations were prosthesis lateralization (53%), partial or total incus necrosis (33%), reossification of the footplate (31%), and loosening of the loop on the incus (9%). Hearing improved postoperatively in 88% of the patients. In 55% of the patients, there was a residual air-bone gap of 10 dB or less, and in 84%, the gap was 20 dB or less. DISCUSSION: Stapes revisions are more challenging procedures with less perfect results compared with primary operations. Nevertheless, a postoperative hearing improvement was achieved in 88% of our patients. Modern techniques, such as the laser and microdrill, demonstrate their full usefulness.