Audit on the safety and effectiveness of the use of KTP laser in stapedotomy: One year experience in an Otorhinolaryngology Center at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of using KTP laser in surgically diagnosed patients with otosclerosis who underwent Endoscopic Laser Stapedotomy at the Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura from October 2020 to September 2021. Endoscopic Laser Stapedotomy is used as a minimally invasive technique and it is considered superior to conventional stapedectomy.Methods: Nine patients who underwent laser stapedotomy were incorporated in the study. Data was collected via a pre-formed paper-based operator filled questionnaire. The results of pre-operative pure tone audiogram (PTA) were compared with a three-month post-operative audiogram in addition to demographic and clinical variables and post-operative complications.Results: Mean post-operative air bone gap closure within 10dB was achieved in 55.5% patients. Mean four frequency air bone gap improvement was 25.3dB. Statistically significant post-operative impairment in bone conduction was not demonstrated.Conclusion: Use of KTP laser in endoscopic stapedotomy has produced improvement in air bone gap closure resulting in improvement of hearing with less side effects as a minimally invasive surgical modality in patients with otosclerosis.