Some Experiences with Three Hundred Stapedectomised Patients

Abstract

At the E.N.T. clinic, Södersjukhuset, stapedectomy (with vein graft in the oval window and application of polyethylene tube on incus) has become the method of choice for 500 operated otosclerosis patients 1962–1967. The results from 300 consecutive stapedectomies to 1967 are discussed. The experience of the actual case material reveals that, for instance, the age of patients at admisson is immaterial and that many audiometrically classified C- and D-cases seem to have very good prognostic possibilities. The postoperative hearing results—according to the definition of closed gap and average improvements in the middle frequencies—are good: ca. 95% success as in many other series. Postoperative deafness has appeared in 4 cases out of 300. From the point of view of hearing rehabilitation the results have been especially satisfactory: 90% of the patients could dispense their hearing aids or change from bodyborne to headborne apparatus; thus this factor is the essential indication for an eventual operation. There is needed a continuous postoperative hearing control, especially concerning “late” cochlear lesion. Uniform definitions and classifications of case materials, for instance a common use of a A.D.P.-journal, will probably give a more certain basis for prognostic evaluation and possibly indicate changes in operative technique.