Postoperative Audiometric Results Research Articles

A retrospective analysis of 200-cases of otosclerosis

Objective:To identify the audiological improvement postoperatively and improve the understand of otosclerosis for a better performance of personalized surgical treatment.Method:We retrospectively reviewed a series of 200 cases after surgery for ototsclerosis.The clinical characteristics,pre-and postoperative audiometric results,signs of Carhart notch, Gelle test and the characteristics of high-resolution computed tomography of temporal bone were analyzed retrospectively.Result:73% of patients had tinnitus, while 4% had sense of ear fullness,80.79% had Carhart notch,92.09% had negative result in Gelle test and 45.66% had positive signs on computed tomography. 68% of the patients revealed a type A tympanogram with only 22% type As.Fifty-six cases with laser stapedotomy achieved a the air bone gap at 250 Hz,500 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz and 4 kHz of 25.54,16.25,13.75,6.34,15.96 dB,respectively. The bone conduction thresholds at 250 Hz,500 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz improved 2.05,1.51,3.75 and 3.93 dB,respectively. At 4 kHz, bone conduction threshold increased by 1.34 dB.The improvement of bone conduction threshold at 250 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz was significantly but for the revisions at 500 Hz and 4 kHz.Conclusion:The diagnosis of otosclerosis should be based on the combination of medical history, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, Carhart notch, Gelle test and high resolution computed tomography of temporal bone.Surgical technique of stapedotomy with Piston artificial auditory ossicle implantation could improve not only the air conduction threshold, but also the bone conduction threshold at 250 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz.

Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Middle Ear Cholesteatoma.

To evaluate the clinical parameters, outcomes, and complications of transcanal endoscopic ear surgeries for middle ear cholesteatoma. Retrospective study. Tertiary university-affiliated medical center. Adult patients (age >18) who underwent transcanal endoscopic ear surgeries for cholesteatoma, between March 2009 and March 2015. Transcanal endoscopic surgery was indicated when the cholesteatoma did not extend posterior to the anterior limb of the lateral semicircular canal. Rigid endoscopes 4 and 2.7 mm in diameter, 0, 30, 45, and 70 degrees were used with angled picks, suction, and forceps.Preoperative assessment included high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bones and/or non echo-planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and pure-tone audiometry. Residual or recurrent disease was diagnosed by clinical examination and/or magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with cholesteatoma. Intra- and postoperative complications, pre- and postoperative audiometric results were recorded. Sixty operations (56 patients, mean age = 43.6) were included.Six operations (10%) were performed under local anesthesia. The most common sites of cholesteatoma involvement were: posterior epitympanum (n = 51, 91%), anterior epitympanum (n = 19, 33.9%), posterior mesotympanum (n = 13, 23.2%), and sinus tympani (n = 11, 19.6%). Intraoperative ossicular chain reconstruction was performed in 18 (30%) cases.Our overall residual and recurrence rates were 10% (n = 6) and 8.3% (n = 5), respectively, with mean duration of follow up of 35 months. The most common sites of residual disease were the mastoid cavity/antrum (n = 3, 50%), tympanic cavity, and posterior mesotympanum. Overall minor and major complication rates were 16.6 and 6%, respectively. Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery was found to be an acceptable and safe technique for the exposure and eradication of middle ear and/or attic cholesteatoma.

Comparison of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty to Microscopic Tympanoplasty.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the outcome of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty.MethodsThis was a retrospective comparative study of 73 patients (35 males and 38 females) who underwent type I tympanoplasty at Samsung Medical Center from April to December 2014. The subjects were classified into two groups; endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET, n=25), microscopic tympanoplasty (MT, n=48). Demographic data, perforation size of tympanic membrane at preoperative state, pure tone audiometric results preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, operation time, sequential postoperative pain scale (NRS-11), and graft success rate were evaluated.ResultsThe perforation size of the tympanic membrane in ET and MT group was 25.3%±11.7% and 20.1%±11.9%, respectively (P=0.074). Mean operation time of MT (88.9±28.5 minutes) was longer than that of the ET (68.2±22.1 minutes) with a statistical significance (P=0.002). External auditory canal (EAC) width was shorter in the ET group than in the MT group (P=0.011). However, EAC widening was not necessary in the ET group and was performed in 33.3% of patients in the MT group. Graft success rate in the ET and MT group were 100% and 95.8%, respectively; the values were not significantly different (P=0.304). Pre- and postoperative audiometric results including bone and air conduction thresholds and air-bone gap were not significantly different between the groups. In all groups, the postoperative air-bone gap was significantly improved compared to the preoperative air-bone gap. Immediate postoperative pain was similar between the groups. However, pain of 1 day after surgery was significantly less in the ET group.ConclusionWith endoscopic system, minimal invasive tympanoplasty can be possible with similar graft success rate and less pain.

Manubrio-stapedioplasty: new surgical technique for malleus and incus fixation due to tympanosclerosis.

This paper reports the authors' technique of manubrio-stapedioplasty using glass ionomer cement for malleus and incus fixation due to tympanosclerosis. A retrospective case review was conducted of five patients with conductive hearing loss (mean pre-operative air-bone gap of 42.75 dB) treated in a tertiary referral centre. The hearing results of a manubrio-stapedial bone cement ossiculoplasty technique, utilised on the five patients, were analysed. All cases were Wielinga and Kerr tympanosclerosis classification type 2 (attic fixation of the malleus-incus complex with a mobile stapes). The incus and head of the malleus were removed in all patients, and the manubrium was directly connected to the head of the mobile stapes using glass ionomer cement. Patients were evaluated in terms of pre- and post-operative audiometric results; hearing gain and post-operative air-bone gap were the main outcome measures. Mean post-operative air-bone gap was 5.25 dB. Four patients had an air-bone gap of less than 10 dB; the remaining patient had an air-bone of 12.50 dB. Manubrio-stapedioplasty is an effective method for ossicular reconstruction in cases of malleus and incus fixation due to tympanosclerosis.

Otosclerosis: Contribution of Computed Tomography and Radio-Anatomical Correlations

Otosclerosis is an osteodystrophia of the otic capsule, responsible for hearing loss by blocking of the stapes footplate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of computed tomography (CT) in the positive diagnosis of otosclerosis, to compare the radiological findings to those intraoperatively, and to seek a correlation between imaging data and postoperative audiometric results. This is a retrospective study of 60 patients having otosclerosis, treated in our department between 2009 and 2011. All patients underwent an otoscopic examination, pure tone and vocal audiometry, impedancemetry and petrous CT scan. At petrous CT scan, a footplate thickening was found in 9 cases. Labyrinthine bone hypodensity was noted in 51 cases. Sensitivity of CT in the diagnosis of otosclerosis was 100%. Regarding the operative findings and their correlation with imaging, we found that among the 7 facial canal procidences reported intraoperatively, CT had identified 6, with a sensitivity of 86%. Of the 53 facial nerve in normal position intraoperatively, CT had only identified 34, with a specificity of 64%. Regarding the ossicles, there were 6 cases of abnormalities of the incus, among them 3 were identified on CT, with a sensitivity of 50%. The 54 patients with normal ossicular chain intraoperatively were all identified as such on CT, with a specificity of 100% (p = 0.001). For correlation between imaging and postoperative results, it was found that patients with extended otosclerosis had lower postoperative audiometric improvement than those having localized disease (p < 0.05). Computed tomography is necessary for the diagnosis of otosclerosis. It also helps, with good sensitivity and specificity, seeking for anatomical variants that the surgeon could possibly encounter during surgical procedure. Finally, there is a statistically significant correlation between imaging data and postoperative audiometric results, allowing establishing a functional prognosis even before surgery.

The Relationship between Stapes Prosthesis Length and Rate of Stapedectomy Success.

OBJECTIVESTo identify whether measurement of the prosthesis length is mandatory in patients requiring otosclerosis surgeries and to assess their postoperative audiometric outcomes. In addition, evaluation of prosthesis length used in revision compared to primary stapedectomy was carried out.STUDY DESIGNCase series with chart review.METHODSChart review of 393 patients undergoing primary (321) versus revision stapedectomy (72) was performed in a tertiary referral center. The indication for surgery was the presence or persistence/recurrence of an air-bone gap (ABG) greater than 20 dB. Air and bone conduction thresholds (ACT and BCT, respectively), ABG as well as pure tone averages (PTAs) were determined for all patients, and the results were compared preoperatively and postoperatively.RESULTSProsthesis length used ranged from 3.0 to 6.0 mm without differences between primary and revision groups. Of the revision surgeries, 62.5% were stapedectomies versus stapedotomies (P < 0.001). Patients showed significant decrease in speech discrimination score, with increased air and bone conduction thresholds as well as mean ABG and PTA before the revision surgeries as a first procedure failure. Prosthesis length changes occurred in 73.5% of the cases, with an average absolute change of 0.55 mm. Prosthesis length did not affect postoperative audiometric results between primary and revision groups, in all surgeries combined. When grouping stapes surgery into accurately versus inaccurately measured incus-footplate distance, significant differences were observed in prosthesis length employed (P < 0.01). Hearing outcomes were also better in the group in which an accurately measured prosthesis was chosen, as opposed to “standard-length” prosthesis.CONCLUSIONSThis study corroborates postoperative success rates of revision surgeries, which show smaller improvements in hearing compared to a primary intervention. Accurate intra-operative measurement of prosthesis length was correlated with better audiometric results postoperatively.

Surgery of isolated malleus fixation due to tympanosclerosis.

The aim of the present study was to describe our surgical approach for isolated malleus fixation in patients with tympanosclerosis and to analyze the postoperative results. A total of 30 patients presented with isolated malleus fixation were operated. The fixation was reached via canalplasty. Fixated areas were cleaned without damaging the ossicle. Pre- and postoperative audiometric results were evaluated for each patient. Improvement of the pure-tone average (PTA) by at least 10 dB and an air-bone gap (ABG) of less than 20 dB after 12 months of follow-up was accepted to indicate success. The recovery of the postoperative PTA and ABG measurements was significant. Pre- and postoperative PTA was 48.00 ± 11.86 and 24.90 ± 12.45 dB, respectively (p < 0.001). According to PTA measurements, 40-50 dB recovery was achieved in four (13.3 %) patients, 31-40 dB in six (20 %) patients, 21-30 dB in ten (33.3 %) patients, and 11-20 dB in five (16.6 %) patients, with a total success rate of 25/30 (83.2 %). Pre- and postoperative ABG levels were 38.95 ± 9.92 and 16.10 ± 7.79 dB (p < 0.001), respectively. The ABG level was between 0 and 10 dB for 8 (26.6 %) patients, and 11-20 dB for 16 (53.3 %), with a total success rate of 24/30 (80 %). In cases of isolated malleus fixation with tympanosclerosis, performing a canalplasty to clean the sclerotic plaques without damaging the normal anatomy of the ossicle system using a diamond burr is a safe surgical option that provides significant recovery in hearing levels.

Cartilage versus Fascia in Pediatric Type 1 Tympanoplasty: Anatomic and Audiometric Results

Objectives: To assess the anatomic and audiometric results of type I cartilage tympanoplasty and to compare them with the results of type I fascia tympanoplasty in children. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of pediatric patients who underwent primary type I tympanoplasty with cartilage or fascia at a tertiary academic center between July 2007 and July 2013. Patients were excluded who underwent concurrent mastoidectomy or ossicular chain reconstruction. Graft acceptance rates were compared between the 2 groups. In addition, preoperative and postoperative audiometric results were compared. Results: One hundred twenty patients were identified for inclusion into the study. The mean follow-up time was 1 year. There was no significant difference between the cartilage and fascia tympanoplasty groups in terms of graft acceptance rate. Audiometrically, there were also no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of mean pure tone average and speech discrimination score. A significantly higher percentage of patients who underwent cartilage tympanoplasty had a type B tympanogram ( P &lt; .05). Conclusions: In children, cartilage and fascia tympanoplasty have similar results in terms of graft acceptance and hearing outcomes. This study corroborates the findings of other studies, that cartilage tympanoplasty is a safe and effective technique in children.

Middle Ear Surgery in Thuringia, Germany

To evaluate population-based data on incidence and efficiency of middle ear surgery. Retrospective review. All otolaryngology departments in one federal state in Germany. All 1,037 middle ear surgeries performed in Thuringia in 2005. Middle ear surgery. Analysis of preoperative and postoperative audiometric results, preoperative diagnostics, and postoperative complications. Univariate statistical tests were used to analyze predictors for air-bone gap (ABG) improvement, complications, and need for resurgery. Population data were used to calculate incidences of middle ear diseases admitted for surgery and annual rates of middle ear surgeries. ABG improved after surgery for chronic otitis media without and with cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, trauma cases, or complication after acute otitis media/externa (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p = 0.005; p = 0.004; respectively). Middle ear surgery significantly improved bone conduction in cases of otosclerosis (p = 0.008), sudden deafness (p = 0.006), and acute otitis media/externa with complication (p = 0.004). There was a trend of more complication in patients older than 60 years (p = 0.055). Surgery was indicated for chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma in 17.4/100,000 persons, for cholesteatoma in 15.0/100,000, for otosclerosis in 5.7/100,000, for sudden deafness with suspicion of perilymph fistula in 1.5/100,000, and for trauma with affection of the lateral cranial base and hearing loss or otitis media with complication in 1.3/100,000 habitants, respectively. A cochlear implant was indicated in 1.0/100,000 habitants. This population based analysis is showing that middle ear surgery is performed country-wide with good results and low risk on important scale in daily routine by ear surgeons.

A Nonrandomized Comparison of Stapes Surgery With and Without a Vein Graft in Patients With Otosclerosis

To evaluate the effectiveness of primary stapes surgery with and without a vein graft in patients with otosclerosis and to determine the differences in the postoperative gain in air-bone gap (ABG) and air-conduction (AC). A nonrandomized multicenter clinical evaluation. Two tertiary referral centers in The Netherlands and France. Otosclerosis patients that underwent primary stapedotomy surgery. Primary stapedotomy surgery without a vein graft (n = 939, first center) compared with primary stapedotomy surgery with a vein graft (n = 3691, second center). Preoperative and postoperative audiometric results were compared. An analysis of variance was performed to evaluate differences in postoperative ABG and AC gains between surgeries with and without a vein graft, adjusted for potential confounders. The postoperative ABG was 10 dB or lesser in 72.1% of the patients without a vein graft and in 93.2% of patients with a vein graft. After adjustments for differences at baseline, the mean gain in ABG was 18.6 dB (95% CI, 18.1-19.1) in the group without vein graft, compared with 24.2 dB (95% CI, 23.9-24.6) in the group with vein graft (mean difference, 5.6 dB; 95% CI, 5.0-6.2). The mean gain in AC was 19.5 dB (95% CI, 18.7-20.3) in the group without vein graft, compared with 24.3 dB (95% CI, 23.7-24.7) in the group with vein graft (mean difference, 4.8 dB; 95% CI, 3.8-5.7). Patients with otosclerosis undergoing primary stapes surgery may benefit more from a vein graft interposition. 2B.

Controversial issues of optimal surgical timing and patient selection in the treatment planning of otosclerosis

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of clinical factors on the outcomes of otosclerosis surgery and support patients' access to evidence-based information in pre-operative counseling to optimize their choices. A total of 109 ears in 93 patients undergoing stapes surgery in a tertiary referral center were included. Variables with a potential impact on hearing outcomes were recorded, with an emphasis on factors that were readily available pre-operatively. Hearing success was defined as a post-operative air-bone gap ≤10dB. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors independently contributing to the prediction of hearing success. The mean follow-up period was 18.0months. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that none of the pre-operative factors (piston type, age, sex, affected side, tinnitus, vertigo, and pre-operative hearing thresholds) affected hearing success significantly (all p>0.05). In conclusion, self-crimping Nitinol piston provides comparable hearing outcomes with conventional manual-crimping prostheses. However, Nitinol piston offers a technical simplification of a surgical procedure and an easier surgical choice for patients. In addition, age is not a detriment to hearing gain and instead might result in better use of hearing aids in older adults, thus facilitating social hearing recovery. Finally, hearing success does not depend on the extent of pre-operative hearing loss. Hence, patients with poor cochlear function should not be considered poor candidates for surgery. The predictive model has established recommendations for otologists for better case selection, and factors that are readily available pre-operatively may inform patients more explicitly about expected post-operative audiometric results.

Stapedotomy in a residency training program.

The major objective of a stapedotomy is the restoration of hearing. In training centers, the hearing results obtained by resident physicians are lower than those achieved by more experienced surgeons. An analysis of the surgical results obtained by resident physicians is essential to identification of the deficiencies in the learning process. To analyze the postoperative hearing results obtained by otosclerosis patients who underwent stapedotomy performed by surgeons in a residency program. The pre- and postoperative audiometric results were evaluated in a retrospective study of 98 otosclerosis patients who underwent stapedotomy from January 2000 to December 2010. The distribution of patients according to the postoperative results was as follows: 68.4% of the patients achieved a postoperative gap of less than or equal to 10 dB, and 91.8% of the patients achieved a postoperative gap of less than or equal to 20 dB. Three (3.1%) patients had profound sensorineural hearing loss after the procedure. An improvement in surgical outcomes of doctors in training is essential for the continuation of training for stapes surgery during medical residency.

KTP Versus CO2 Laser Fiber Stapedotomy for Primary Otosclerosis

To compare the 3-month postoperative hearing results after laser stapedotomy using a flexible potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) or CO2 laser fiber in patients with primary otosclerosis. Prospective nonrandomized clinical study. Tertiary referral center, 862 stapedotomies were performed in 818 study patients between November 2006 and July 2011. Otosclerotic stapes fixation was treated with flexible KTP laser fiber in 410 patients (431 stapedotomies) and with flexible CO2 laser fiber in 408 patients (431 stapedotomies). Their preoperative and postoperative audiometric results were compared.Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the main effect of laser fiber type and the effect after adjustment for independent predictors of a postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) 10 dB or lower. In the KTP laser group, the mean postoperative ABG was 4.3 dB compared with 3.1 dB in the CO2 group (difference, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.9). In 90.4% of the patients in the KTP group, the postoperative ABG was 10 dB or lower, as compared with 96.5% in the CO2 group. The mean postoperative ABG at 4 KHz was 5.4 dB with KTP and 2.2 dB with CO2 (difference, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-4.2). Sensorineural hearing loss was reported by 1 patient with KTP laser (0.3%) and by none with CO2 laser. "Type of laser" and "sex" were independent predictors of ABG 10 dB or lower. The chance to achieve a postoperative ABG 10 dB or lower for male subjects is 95%, when treated with CO2 laser and 85% when treated with KTP laser. For female subjects, these chances are 97% and 94%, respectively. The use of the CO2 laser fiber may be associated with better hearing results than the KTP laser fiber, regarding the ABG closure within 10 dB.

Endoscopic bivalve inlay cartilage myringoplasty for central perforations: Preliminary report

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic bivalve inlay cartilage myringoplasty by assessing the take rate and postoperative audiometric results and to determine the prognostic factors that affect both. Study designProspective study conducted in tertiary referral centers. PatientsThirty patients were involved in this study collected from the out patient clinics of the Student School Hospital and Alexandria University Hospital. All patients were presented with inactive central perforations of various etiologies at least for one month. MethodologyEndoscopic bivalve inlay cartilage myringoplasty was performed under general anesthesia. Tragal cartilage graft was harvested, fashioned according to perforation size and being circumferentially scored. The bivalve edge provided an instant locking of the graft that provided its stabilization. Adequate seal assessed using the otological endoscope. ResultsPatient ages ranged from 9 to 57years; mean follow-up duration was 7.75months. Successful closure occurred in 73.3%. The only independent factor to determine this success rate was the preoperative ABG. As for ABG gain it significantly increased from 15.91 to 8.82dB postoperatively with a mean gain of 7.09dB. The statistically important factors affecting this ABG gain was found to be the preoperative ABG followed by perforation size. ConclusionThe success rate of this technique could be best guaranteed based on the preoperative ABG. Also ABG gain could be best achieved with larger perforation size and depending on preoperative ABG. Finally the endoscopic technique proved superiority in handling any perforation no matter how microscopically it could appear inaccessible.

Primary Stapes Surgery in Patients With Otosclerosis&lt;subtitle&gt;Prediction of Postoperative Outcome&lt;/subtitle&gt;

To evaluate the audiometric results of primary stapes surgery in patients with otosclerosis and to determine predictors of a postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) of 10 dB or less and a postoperative gain in air conduction (AC) exceeding 20 dB. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary referral center in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Nine hundred thirty-nine patients with otosclerosis who underwent primary stapes surgery between January 1, 1982, and March 1, 2009. Primary stapes surgery. Preoperative and postoperative audiometric results were compared. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate which factors (ie, sex, age at surgery, bilateral otosclerosis, and preoperative 4-frequency [0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz] ABG, AC, or bone conduction) independently contributed to the prediction of a postoperative ABG of 10 dB or less and a postoperative gain in AC exceeding 20 dB. A total of 72.1% of patients had a postoperative ABG of 10 dB or less, and 93.8% of patients had a postoperative ABG of 20 dB or less. Age at surgery and preoperative ABG and AC were independent prognostic determinants. A patient older than 40 years with a preoperative ABG of 30 dB or less has a 77.6% chance of achieving a postoperative ABG of 10 dB or less. A patient with a preoperative AC exceeding 50 dB and a preoperative ABG exceeding 30 dB has an 86.2% chance of achieving a postoperative gain in AC exceeding 20 dB. Following primary stapes surgery, a postoperative ABG of 10 dB or less and a postoperative gain in AC exceeding 20 dB may be predicted with accuracies of 62.1% and 80.1%, respectively. Clinicians can use this information to inform patients more explicitly about expected postoperative audiometric results.

Improving Hearing in Stapedectomy With Intraoperative Auditory Brainstem Response

To determine the efficacy of using intraoperative auditory brainstem response (ABR) in improving immediate hearing results of patients undergoing primary laser stapedotomy. Case series with chart review. Community hospital. The study included 32 consecutive patients, with 34 ears undergoing primary stapedotomy by a single surgeon at a single institution using a single prosthesis design. Intraoperative ABR was performed at the beginning of each surgery and after the stapes prosthesis was inserted. Surgical adjustments were made if initial ABR results did not demonstrate hearing improvement. ABR then was repeated at the conclusion of the procedure. Audiometry was performed postoperatively in all patients. There were 22 left ears and 12 right ears studied. Two patients underwent bilateral staged surgery. Eight patients, or 23% of the group, had intraoperative adjustments made to improve hearing results. Hearing was improved in 33 of 34 ears, or 97%. The surgical revision rate was 3%. The average preoperative air-bone gap (ABG, calculated as an average from 250, 500, and 1000 Hz) was 29.0 dB HL in the left ear group and 26.6 dB HL in the right ear group. The average postoperative ABG was 9.9 dB HL in the left ear group and 9.4 dB HL in the right ear group. All patients had postoperative audiometric results consistent with final intraoperative ABR results. Intraoperative ABR may significantly improve immediate hearing results in patients and greatly reduce the need for revision surgery.

Congenital incudostapedial anomalies in adult stapes surgery: a case-series review

Objectives The management of developmental anomalies of the ossicular chain and otic capsule in stapes surgery tests the otologist's diagnostic skills and flexibility in technique and prosthesis choice. We review our experience in managing various incudostapedial developmental anomalies discovered during middle ear exploration for suspected otosclerosis in adult patients. Design A retrospective case-series review was used. Setting The study was set at a military tertiary referral center. Patients and other Participants A review of 185 stapes procedures yielded 8 cases of identified congenital anomalies of the stapes or incudostapedial complex including congenital absence of the oval window with malformed incus and stapes, columellar-type stapes with promontory fixation, stapes superstructure fixation to the fallopian canal, and malformed incus with stapes superstructure fixation to the promontory. Interventions The developmental anatomy and surgical technique in each case were reviewed. The surgical technique used in each case varied depending on the specific ossicular abnormality found and whether both the stapes and incus were affected. Main outcome measures Comparison of preoperative and postoperative audiometric testing results was performed. Results All 8 ears (7 patients) that underwent a stapes procedure for either an isolated congenital stapes anomaly or a combined incudostapedial anomaly had a favorable hearing outcome, with 7 ears improving to within 10-dB and 1 ear to within 13-dB air-bone gap on postoperative audiometry. Conclusions Despite unanticipated findings of congenital anomalies of the stapes and incus during middle ear exploration for conductive hearing loss, a flexible management approach can lead to successful hearing outcomes.

A review of 89 revision stapes surgeries for otosclerosis

The aim of this study was to identify the causes and the audiometric results of revision surgery following stapedotomies and stapedectomies. We retrospectively reviewed a series of 89 revisions after surgery for otosclerosis between 1993 and 2008. Intraoperative findings, causes of failure, and pre- and postoperative audiometric results were noted retrospectively. The leading causes of failure found intraoperatively included dislocated prosthesis and necrosis of the long process of the incus. The average postoperative air-bone gap was 13 dB. Closure of the air-bone gap to within 10 dB was achieved in 52% of patients. Stapes revisions had less satisfactory results compared with primary procedures in this series. However, certain precautions during initial surgery should decrease the number of stapes surgery revisions.

Stapedectomy in Children

To study children who had undergone stapedectomy at an age younger than 16 years to determine the causes (particularly frequency of congenital anomalies vs otosclerosis) and to analyze the functional results over the short-term, 1-year, and long-term postsurgery time course. Ten-year retrospective study covering 1998 to 2008. Pediatric tertiary care centers. A total of 33 patients (35 ears) underwent stapes surgery from October 1998 to October 2008. Sex, age, preoperative and postoperative audiometric test results, associated anomalies, type of surgery (stapedotomy or partial stapedectomy), method of stapes surgery, and complications. The median age of patients at surgery was 13.4 years, ranging from 3.3 to 15.9 years. The major cause, which was found in 25 of 35 ears (71%), was nonprogressive conductive hearing loss due to congenital stapes fixation. The second most common cause, which was found in 6 of 35 ears (17%), was otosclerosis with progressive conductive or mixed hearing loss. Three ears presented posttraumatic stapes luxation (1 child aged 3.3 years at surgery). In 1 ear, the cause was osteogenesis imperfecta. Twenty-two ears were treated via the drill or laser-assisted small fenestra technique, and 13 ears were treated by a partial removal of the footplate covered by fascia. Early functional results were good, with a median postoperative air-bone gap of 9.8 dB, and 94% of the results were considered good or very good. There was no significant difference between early, 1-year, and longer-term audiometric results. Congenital fixation is the major indication for stapedectomy in children younger than 16 years. Functional results are good and remain stable over time.

Comparison between cartilage–perichondrium composite ‘ring’ graft and temporalis fascia in type one tympanoplasty in children

This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical and audiological outcomes of primary type one tympanoplasty performed with a modified cartilage-perichondrium composite 'ring' graft, and to compare them with results for primary type one tympanoplasty performed with temporalis fascia, in children. Retrospective clinical study. Otolaryngology department, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt. Records were evaluated for 82 children with dry tympanic membrane perforation (any size) and intact ossicular chain, and with no history of previous ear surgery except for tympanostomy. Patients of similar age and middle-ear pathology were selected to make the two groups as homogeneous as possible. An underlay type one tympanoplasty, using either a ring graft or temporalis fascia, was performed: 40 children were included in the ring graft group and 42 in the temporalis fascia group. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. A successful anatomical outcome was considered to comprise full, intact healing of the graft without perforation, retraction, lateralisation or blunting, for at least one year post-operatively. Patients' post-operative pure tone average air-bone gap and speech reception threshold were compared with pre-operative levels, within and between the two groups. Type one tympanoplasty using a ring graft technique resulted in a significantly greater graft acceptance rate (95 per cent) compared with the temporalis fascia technique (76.2 per cent; p < 0.01). Pure tone average air-bone gap and speech reception threshold levels improved significantly in both the ring graft and fascia groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in audiometric results between the two groups (p > 0.05), although there was a trend towards better post-operative results in the ring group. In our paediatric patients, type one tympanoplasty with a modified cartilage-perichondrium composite ring graft yielded good anatomical and functional results. The anatomical results obtained using this graft (with its unique appearance and stability during and after surgery) were superior to those for temporalis fascia. The ring graft group had equivalent, if not better, post-operative audiometric results, compared with the temporalis fascia group. Thus, the ring graft is believed to be effective in enabling both tympanic membrane closure and rapid hearing improvement, in the paediatric population.