Laser‐Assisted Stapedotomy

Abstract

Objective: Assess and compare the functional results obtained by means of multiple-shot Erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser to those obtained using “one-shot” CO2 laser stapedotomy in patients affected by otosclerosis. Study Design: A retrospective case review was performed. Setting: The study was conducted at the Catholic University of Rome. Method: We compared the results obtained in 2 series. From January 2004 to January 2006, a Er:YAG laser stapedotomy was performed on 101 patients. From January 2008 to December 2009, 110 subjects underwent “one-shot” CO2 laser stapedotomies for otosclerosis. Pure-tonal audiometric test was performed preoperatively and after surgery during the follow-up. Results: In both groups the closure of air-bone gap began in the early postoperative period and continued to improve through the late postoperative period. Bone-conduction hearing thresholds were stable even in the early postoperative follow-up and remained stable trough the course of the study. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that laser stapedotomy is a safe and effective surgery. Respect to Er:YAG laser, the improvement of the CO2 laser and the development of the “one-shot” technique justify a larger use of this equipment that allows one to achieve the stapedotomy with less manipulations and a reduced acoustic trauma.