Stapedectomy

1. Pre-operative Evaluation:Before undergoing a stapedectomy, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes a thorough medical history, hearing tests, and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis of otosclerosis and assess the suitability for surgery.
2. Anesthesia: Stapedectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but in some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
3. Surgical Steps:

• An incision is made in the ear canal, providing access to the middle ear.
• The eardrum may be lifted to access the middle ear more easily.
• The stapes bone, which is often fixed in otosclerosis, is removed.
• A prosthesis (usually made of titanium or stainless steel) is placed in the position of the removed stapes bone to restore sound transmission.
• The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.

1. Total Stapedectomy: In this procedure, the entire staped bone is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Total stapedectomy is more common and offers a high success rate in improving hearing.
2. Partial Stapedectomy: In some cases, only a portion of the stapes bone may be removed while leaving a part of it in place. Partial stapedectomy is less common and is typically reserved for specific situations.

After the stapedectomy procedure, patients are often advised to follow these guidelines:

1. Post-operative Care:

• Antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed to prevent infection and manage pain.
• Rest and avoid straining or heavy lifting.
• Keep the ear dry and clean, avoiding water contact.
• Avoid activities that may increase pressure in the ear, such as flying or scuba diving.

2. Follow-up Appointments:

Patients will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and assess hearing improvement. Hearing tests will be conducted to measure the success of the procedure.

3. Hearing Rehabilitation:

While most patients experience significant hearing improvement shortly after surgery, it may take some time to adapt to the restored hearing. Hearing rehabilitation and auditory training may be recommended.