Otosclerosis surgery: Laser Stapedotomy / Stapedectomy
Stapedotomy and Stapedectomy are 2 variations of surgery done for otosclerosis. Although Stapedotomy is more commonly done, the term Stapedectomy has traditionally been used to refer to either procedure.
Stapedotomy/Stapedectomy surgery can improve the conductive hearing loss associated with otosclerosis in the great majority of cases. It is done in an operating room under general anesthesia, and lasts from 1 – 2 hours. 1 – 3 hours of recovery time is usually needed before you will be sent home.
Stapes surgery is entirely done through the ear canal, and therefore you can expect no incisions or scars about the ear. Typically a vein graft is taken from the hand. This is a specialized technique, which is felt to improve the success of the Surgery. You will have a few absorbable stitches in your hand.
The surgery is done by lifting the ear drum (”like the hood of a car”). This does not damage the ear drum as it is put back in place upon completing the surgery. Using a laser the immobilized stapes bone is partially removed. A small opening into the inner ear is made using the laser and other instruments. The vein graft is then used to protect the inner ear contents, including the fluid that fills it. An artificial bone (prosthesis) made of a variety of materials is then used to ‘reconnect’ the vibrating bones with the inner ear.
A packing material is used in the ear upon completing the surgery. This will produce a blocked feeling in the ear for the first few days following your surgery.
