Vestibule exposure during surgery. Clinical observations in three cases of cholesteatoma.

Abstract

A review of the literature to determine the fate of the inner ear when the footplate has been removed during surgery for chronic otitis media revealed 48 cases of stapes extraction that were reported during the 19th century and in no patient did total cochlear loss develop in a one-year follow-up. In four clinical cases of chronic otitis media, there was visibly definite exposure of the vestibule during surgery, but no significant cochlear loss developed postoperatively. The prompt recognition of exposure and coverage of the oval window, with immediate parenteral administration of antibiotics would appear to be indicated when the vestibule is opened during surgery for cholesteatoma or chronic otitis media.