Abstract
The authors have studied the problems of re-operating in otosclerosis surgery and emphasize the risks of cochlear losses which are very great in these cases.
After studying general diagnostic and operative problems, the authors deal with the difficulties of re-operating fenestrations, mobilizations, Fowler, and stapedectomies, with or without interpositions. For each of these cases, the technique is first demonstrated with animated pictures, then with film sequences showing a concrete example. Their personal ‘teflon-interposition’ technique which allows safer operations is also explained.
Finally, the treatments of failures due to causes other than otosclerosis or the techniques themselves are described.
This study, based on more than 1000 re-operations and more than 10 000 stapedectomies, teflon-pistons and teflon-interpositions, ends with a chart showing the percentage successes which may be expected in each type by re-operating.