Analysis of the effect of reconstructing the ossicular chain under otoendoscopy with and without a stapes superstructure

Abstract

Background Numerous studies have been conducted on the effect of the stapes superstructure after ossicular chain reconstruction, but the findings are not uniform. Objective To compare the hearing outcomes of ossicular chain reconstruction with partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) under otoendoscopy. Materials and methods The records of 111 patients diagnosed with chronic suppurative otitis media were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into PORP group (n = 57) and TORP group (n = 54). They were further subdivided into subgroups PORP-a (with a malleus handle) and PORP-b (without a malleus handle), subgroups TORP-a and TORP-b. Pre- and postoperative audiometric results were analyzed. Results The mean postoperative air conduction hearing thresholds improvement, mean air–bone gap improvement, and the success rate of reconstruction were significantly higher in the PORP group than in the TORP group (p < .05). The mean postoperative air conduction hearing thresholds improvement and the success rate of reconstruction were significantly higher in the PORP-a group than in the TORP-a group (p < .05); and similar results were concluded in comparison of the PORP-b group and the TORP-b group. Conclusions and significance The stapes superstructure has an important positive effect on the postoperative outcome of endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction.