Hearing Improvement After Stapes Operation in Relation to Various Details of Surgery

Abstract

A series of 354 stapedectomies performed by different techniques and selected from a larger material are presented. The hearing improvements obtained at different audiometric frequencies 6 months after surgery are discussed for the purpose of determining important details in postoperative sound conduction in operated middle ears. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) Good sound transmission was obtained by polyethylene prosthesis irrespective of the type of attachment to the incus. (2) No difference attributable to the type of material (polyethylene or stapedial crura) connecting the incus and the oval window was found. (3) Poorer results were reached by using the anterior than the posterior cms. (4) Complete fenestration of the oval window yielded better functional results than incomplete fenestration. (5) The results also appeared to be more favourable in cases in which the fenestrated window was sealed with some material compared with those in which it was left unsealed.