Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Otosclerosis: evaluation and treatment

Abstract Objectives: To review and provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of otosclerosis. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on otosclerosis were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The topics were divided into 2 parts: 1) Diagnosis - audiologic and radiologic; 2) Treatment - hearing AIDS, pharmacological therapy, stapes surgery, and implantable devices - bone-anchored devices, active middle ear implants, and Cochlear Implants (CI). Conclusions: The pathophysiology of otosclerosis has not yet been fully elucidated, but environmental factors and unidentified genes are likely to play a significant role in it. Women with otosclerosis are not at increased risk of worsening clinical condition due to the use of contraceptives or during pregnancy. Drug treatment has shown little benefit. If the patient does not want to undergo stapedotomy, the use of hearing aids is well indicated. Implantable systems should be indicated only in rare cases, and the CI should be indicated in cases of profound deafness.

A novel mutation in COL1A1 causing osteogenesis imperfecta/hearing loss

Abstract Objectives: To screen the COL1A1 and COL1A2 gene mutation sites in a family with type I osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)/hearing loss and analyze the characteristics and recovery of hearing loss in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Methods: The basic clinical data of Ol proband and her parents were collected, and the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes were detected in peripheral blood by PCR amplification and generation Sanger sequencing. Literature of stapedial surgery in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta was collected. Results: The heterozygous mutation of the 26 exon c.1922_1923 ins C in the Ol progenitor COL1A1 gene led to the amino acid frameshift mutation of p.Pro 601FS, which was not detected in the phenotypic parents. The homozygous of exon 28 c.1782>G in COL1A2 was detected in the proband and her parents, resulting in changes in the protein p.Pro 549Ala. Conclusion: The clinical symptoms of the Ol proband is caused by heterozygous mutation of the 26 exon c.1922_1923 ins C in COL1A1 gene. Stapedial surgery can provide short-term and long-term hearing benefits for Ol patients with hearing loss. Level of evidence: Level 4.

Comparison of Short-Term Hearing Outcome in Stapedotomy Using either Vein or Fat (Adipose Tissue) as Sealing Material

Abstract Introduction Otosclerosis is a common cause of conductive hearing loss in the adult population that is caused by fixation of the stapes footplate. Cochlear otosclerosis may also present with sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. Surgery is the definitive treatment of choice and, during the procedure, sealing of the oval window with autologous tissue graft around the stapes prosthesis has been routinely done to improve hearing outcome and to mitigate postoperative complications. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of two different types of autologous tissue (vein or fat) grafts as oval window sealing materials in stapedotomy in improving short-term hearing outcomes. Methods In our study, 70 patients with otosclerosis who underwent primary stapedotomy were included. They were divided into group 1 (vein graft) and group 2 (fat graft) based on the type of sealing material used. All patients were followed-up at the end of 3 months, undergoing an audiometric examination to assess the hearing outcome. Results A total of 80% (n = 28) of the patients in group1 had an air-bone gap (ABG) closure < 10dB, and, in group 2, 85.7% had an ABG closure < 10 dB; this difference was found to be statistically insignificant. A total of 42.9% (n = 15) of the patients in group 1 and of 31.4% (n = 11) in group 2 had a significant improvement in bone conduction, while 14.3% (n = 5) of the patients in group 1 and 17.1% (n = 6) in group 2 had worsening of average bone conduction postoperatively, which was found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusions Both vein and fat grafts had comparable effects on hearing outcomes when used as sealing materials in stapedotomy.

Diagnosis and management of otosclerosis in a Filipino population: A case series

Objective@#This case series aims to describe the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis in a series of Filipino patients encountered in a private, subspecialty otologic clinical practice. In particular, it elucidates the demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic exam findings, clinical intervention and hearing outcomes.@*Methods@#Study Design : Retrospective review of medical records of a case series. Setting : Subspecialty otologic / neurotologic clinical practice. Participants : Medical records of all patients diagnosed to have otosclerosis based on radiologic evidence of fenestral or retrofenestral otosclerosis and/or confirmed during surgical exploration of the middle ear, during the period 2004-2017. @*Results@#Nine patients with otosclerosis were identified. Most patients presented with bilateral, primarily conductive hearing loss in middle age. However, an adolescent patient was also identified. Most patients were from the component cities of the National Capital Region. However, patients from the Cordillera region and south-central Mindanao were also identified. Radiologic evidence of fenestral or retrofenestral otosclerosis was identified in the majority of patients. However, readings of normal temporal bone CT findings were also seen. Obliterative otosclerosis was identified in one patient. Both objective and subjective evidence of hearing improvement was documented after stapedectomy in patients undergoing surgery.@*Conclusions@#This study documents the presence of clinical otosclerosis in a Filipino population. As in other populations, it typically presents in middle age as a bilateral, primarily conductive hearing loss. However, a younger age does not preclude its diagnosis, as juvenile otosclerosis has been identified. The presence of patients in regions of the Philippines other than the National Capital Region implies that it has to be considered even in regional populations without a racial predilection for otosclerosis. The identification of radiologic evidence of fenestral and retrofenestral otosclerosis on CT imaging of the temporal bone makes this is an essential part of the work-up of Filipino patients with conductive hearing loss and normal otologic examinations. Surgical treatment via stapes surgery is an effective and viable option in the management of Filipino patients with otosclerosis. The identification of less common variants such as obliterative otosclerosis indicates the need for specialized surgical equipment and appropriate surgical training in order to successfully deal with these situations.

Revision Stapedotomies: The Role of Periprosthetic Scar Tissue Formation in the Development of Unsatisfactory Hearing Results after Stapedotomy

Abstract Introduction Revision stapes surgeries are difficult to perform, and their audiological results are inferior to primary surgeries. Objective Our goal was to identify the most common and most influential postoperative reasons that cause persistent air-bone gap (ABG) after the primary surgery. Our focus was concentrated on the mechanical dysfunctions in the middle ear, with special regard to postoperative adhesion formation. Methods We performed a retrospective case series study with 23 cases that underwent revision stapedotomies. Results A significant improvement was seen in ABG and air conduction levels after surgery. The periprosthetic adhesion formation was seen in 65% of the cases, and it was the primary cause behind the unsatisfactory hearing result in 30% of cases. There was no significant difference in the level of persistent ABGs after the primary surgery, in case of the intratympanic adhesion presence, compared with the presence of other surgical failures. Concerning hearing and ABG gain after revision surgery, the non-inferiority of the negative effect associated with adhesion was shown compared with the other reasons. Conclusion The revision stapedotomy is an efficient treatment option in case of persistent ABG. Periprosthetic adhesions are the most common intratympanic reasons for compromised audiological outcomes after stapedotomy.

Titanium prostheses versus stapes columella type 3 tympanoplasty: a comparative prospective study / Timpanoplastia tipo III com próteses de titânio versus columela do estribo: um estudo prospectivo comparativo

Abstract Introduction: Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reconstruct the mechanisms of sound transmission in the middle ear. Objective: Analyze, from an audiological point of view, patients with chronic otitis media undergoing type 3 tympanoplasty major columella with total ossicular replacement titanium prosthesis or with cartilage graft stapes columella. Methods: This is a prospective analytical study, carried out at the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic in a tertiary care hospital, through the evaluation of 26 patients with chronic otitis media who underwent tympanoplasty using different materials for auditory rehabilitation such as titanium prostheses or cartilage autografts. Results: There was no statistically significant association between the group factors (cartilage or titanium reconstruction) and preoperative variables. There was no statistically significant association between the postoperative characteristics of the patients and the type of reconstruction. Neither subjective improvement (hearing improvement) nor residual perforation were associated with a type of material. The via factor was the only one that showed a statistically significant difference once air-conduction pathway improved more than bone-conduction pathway, decreasing the air-bone gap. Conclusion: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in relation to the audiometric improvement. There was hearing improvement in both groups. More studies must be done with a longer follow-up to better evaluate the outcome.

Resumo Introdução: A timpanoplastia é um procedimento cirúrgico que visa reconstruir os mecanismos de transmissão do som na orelha média. Objetivo: Analisar, do ponto de vista audiológico, pacientes com otite média crônica submetidos à timpanoplastia tipo 3 com columela maior, com prótese de reconstituição ossicular total de titânio, ou com columela de estribo com enxerto de cartilagem. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo analítico, feito no ambulatório de otorrinolaringologia de um hospital terciário, por meio da avaliação de 26 pacientes com otite média crônica submetidos à timpanoplastia com diferentes materiais para reabilitação auditiva, como próteses de titânio ou autoenxertos de cartilagem. Resultados: Não houve associação estatisticamente significante entre os fatores de grupo (reconstrução com cartilagem ou titânio) e variáveis pré-operatórias. Não houve associação estatisticamente significante entre as características pós-operatórias dos pacientes e o tipo de reconstrução; nem melhoria subjetiva (melhoria auditiva) ou perfuração residual foram associadas a um tipo de material. O fator via foi o único que demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significante, uma vez que a condução por via aérea apresentou maior melhoria do que a condução por via óssea, reduziu o gap aéreo-ósseo. Conclusão: Não houve diferença estatística entre os dois grupos em relação à melhoria audiométrica. Houve melhoria auditiva em ambos os grupos. Mais estudos com seguimento mais longo devem ser feitos para uma melhor avaliação da evolução.

Juvenile otosclerosis: radio-clinical features and outcomes of surgical treatment

Purpose: To review the radio-clinical features and to evaluate the outcomes of surgery approaches for the treatment of otosclerosis in pediatric population. Methods: It's a retrospective study including 12 patients under 18 years of age, diagnosed with otosclerosis and using data over a 24 ­ year ­period (1996-2020). A clinical examination, an audiometric assessment and a computed tomography of the temporal bone (CT-Scan) prior to surgery had been performed in all cases. All patients underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Follow ­up was essentially clinical and audiometric with a mean period of 4years. Results: Mean age of our patients was 15.3 with a ratio of 0.5. Only three of them had a family history of otosclerosis. Major functional sign was hearing loss; tinnitus was noted in only 5 cases. CT-Scan had shown typical radiographic evidence of otosclerosis grade Ia (Veillon classification) in 9 cases, grade Ib in 1 case and no abnormalities in 2 cases. Surgery was performed in all cases: 8 patients underwent stapedotomy and 4 had stapedectomy. The audiometric results were good, air-bone gap closure to within 10 dB was achieved in 84% of cases (10 cases) and to within 20dB in 100% of cases at last follow-up. Conclusion: Audiometric and radiological assessments are essential to guide the diagnosis and the treatment of juvenile otosclerosis. Stapes surgery is a good option for closing the air-bone gap in children with bilateral juvenile otosclerosis

Juvenile otosclerosis: radio-clinical features and outcomes of surgical treatment

Purpose: To review the radio-clinical features and to evaluate the outcomes of surgery approaches for the treatment of otosclerosis in pediatric population. Methods: It's a retrospective study including 12 patients under 18 years of age, diagnosed with otosclerosis and using data over a 24 ­ year ­period (1996-2020). A clinical examination, an audiometric assessment and a computed tomography of the temporal bone (CT-Scan) prior to surgery had been performed in all cases. All patients underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Follow ­up was essentially clinical and audiometric with a mean period of 4years. Results: Mean age of our patients was 15.3 with a ratio of 0.5. Only three of them had a family history of otosclerosis. Major functional sign was hearing loss; tinnitus was noted in only 5 cases. CT-Scan had shown typical radiographic evidence of otosclerosis grade Ia (Veillon classification) in 9 cases, grade Ib in 1 case and no abnormalities in 2 cases. Surgery was performed in all cases: 8 patients underwent stapedotomy and 4 had stapedectomy. The audiometric results were good, air-bone gap closure to within 10 dB was achieved in 84% of cases (10 cases) and to within 20dB in 100% of cases at last follow-up. Conclusion: Audiometric and radiological assessments are essential to guide the diagnosis and the treatment of juvenile otosclerosis. Stapes surgery is a good option for closing the air-bone gap in children with bilateral juvenile otosclerosis

Anatomical and morphometric study of goat middle ear ossicles (Capra aegagrus hircus) / [Estudo anatômico e morfométrico dos ossículos da orelha média de caprinos (Capra aegagrus hircus)]

The social and economic roles of goat farming in Northeastern Brazil, allied to the fact that the use of goat middle ear ossicles for research and human ear surgery training has not yet been proposed, justify the study of their applicability as an experimental model. The middle ears of 19 goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) from the bone collection of the Laboratory and Didactic Anatomy Museum of Domestic and Wild Animals of the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF) were dissected. The malleus, incus, and stapes were evaluated regarding their macroscopic morphology and biometry (length, width, and height). Ossicle morphology was similar to sheep, human, and bovine morphology. The malleus was 1.3 times heavier and 2.2 times longer than the incus, and 9.0 times heavier and 3.7 times longer than the stapes. The size relationship was positive between the stapes and the malleus and negative between the stapes and the incus. It is concluded that the middle ear size and the anatomical similarities with human ossicles make goats a useful model for experimental scientific studies, reconstructive surgery practice of the ossicular chain, and human ear surgery training.(AU)

Tanto o papel social quanto o econômico da caprinocultura na região Nordeste do Brasil, somados ao fato de que o uso de ossículos da orelha média de caprinos para estudos e treinamento cirúrgico otológico humano ainda não foi proposto, justificam o estudo de sua aplicabilidade como modelo experimental. Foram dissecadas as orelhas médias de 19 caprinos (Capra aegagrus hircus), provenientes do ossuário do Laboratório e Museu Didático de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres - Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco. Martelos, bigornas e estribos tiveram a morfologia macroscópica e a biometria (comprimento, largura e altura) avaliadas. A morfologia dos ossículos assemelhou-se a de ovinos, humanos e bovinos. O martelo foi 1,3 vez mais pesado e 2,2 vezes mais comprido que a bigorna e 9,0 vezes mais pesado e 3,7 vezes mais comprido que o estribo. A relação de tamanho entre o estribo e o martelo foi positiva, e entre o estribo e a bigorna negativa. Conclui-se que o tamanho da orelha média e as semelhanças anatômicas com os ossículos humanos tornam os caprinos um modelo útil para estudos científicos experimentais, prática cirúrgica reconstrutiva da cadeia ossicular e treinamento cirúrgico otológico humano.(AU)

Imaging Studies in Otosclerosis: An Up-to-date Comprehensive Review

Abstract Introduction Otosclerosis is a primary osteodystrophy of the otic capsule, frequently responsible for acquired hearing loss in adults. Although the diagnostic value of imaging investigations in otosclerosis is debatable, they might still be employed with different goals within the context of the disease. Objectives The present paper aims to review the most recent literature on the use of imaging studies in otosclerosis for the most varied purposes, from routine application and differential diagnosis to prognostic prediction and investigation of surgical failure. Data Synthesis The diagnosis of otosclerosis is usually clinical, but computed tomography (CT) is paramount in particular cases for the differential diagnosis. The routine use, however, is not supported by strong evidence. Even so, there is growing evidence of the role of this method in surgical planning and prediction of postoperative prognosis. In specific scenarios, for example when superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome is suspected or in surgical failure, CT is crucial indeed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), however, has limited - although important - indications in the management of individuals with otosclerosis, especially in the evaluation of postoperative complications and in the follow-up of medical treatment in active ostosclerosis. Conclusion Imaging studies have a broad range of well-established indications in otosclerosis. Besides, although the routine use of CT remains controversial, the most recent papers have shed light into new potential benefits of imaging prior to surgery.

Caracterización de pacientes con otosclerosis con estapedotomia a través de abordaje trascanal y retroauricular en un hospital universitario / Characterization of patients with otosclerosis with transcanal and retroauricular stapedotomy in a university hospital

Introducción: la otosclerosis manejada quirúrgicamente con estapedotomía ha mostrado mejora del umbral auditivo mediante un abordaje transcanal o retroauricular. Objetivo: caracterizar la respuesta al tratamiento quirúrgico con estapedotomía transcanal y retroauricular en pacientes con diagnóstico de otosclerosis en un centro universitario. Diseño: estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo tipo serie de casos. Metodología: se incluyeron pacientes con diagnósticos de otosclerosis atendidos en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael quienes cumplieron criterios de elegibilidad entre 2014 y 2020. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes intervenidos con abordaje transcanal y 8 con abordaje retroauricular, la edad promedio fue de 46,6 años. La mayoría de pacientes fue de sexo femenino (56,1 %). Se evidenció una mejora del umbral auditivo en el 89,9 % del total de la muestra. La presencia de variantes anatómicas se describió en un 26,8 %, la variante más común fue el prolapso del nervio cuerda del tímpano (14,5 %). La complicación intraoperatoria más común fue la sección del nervio cuerda del tímpano (9,8 %). La presencia de complicaciones y variantes anatómicas fue más prevalente con abordaje retroauricular. Conclusiones: la estapedotomía con abordaje retroauricular y transcanal mostró mejoría del umbral auditivo equiparable a la literatura mundial, la presencia de variantes anatómicas se correlacionó con complicaciones posoperatorias.

Introduction: Otosclerosis managed surgically with stapedotomy has shown improvement in hearing threshold using a transcanal or retroauricular approach. Objective: To characterize the response to surgical treatment with transcanal and retroauricular stapedotomy in patients diagnosed with otosclerosis in a university center. Design: Retrospective descriptive observational study, case series type. Methodology: Patients with a diagnosis of otosclerosis treated at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael who met the eligibility criteria between 2014 and 2020 were included. Results: 33 patients operated with transcanal approach and 8 with retroauricular approach were included, the average age was 46.6 years. Most patients were female (56.1%). Hearing threshold improvement was evidenced in 89.9% of the total sample. The presence of anatomical variants was described in 26.8%, the most common variant was the prolapse of the chorda tympani nerve (14.5%). The most common intraoperative complication was eardrum cord nerve section (9.8%). The presence of complications and anatomic variants was more prevalent with retroauricular approach. Conclusion: Stapedotomy with retroauricular and transcanal approach showed improvement of hearing threshold comparable to the world literature, the presence of anatomical variants was correlated with postoperative complications.

Experiencia en estapedotomía en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael entre 2018 y 2019 / Experience in stapedotomy at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael between 2018 and 2019

Objetivo: describir la experiencia de los pacientes llevados a una estapedotomía en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael en los años 2018 y 2019. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el que se revisaron un total de 32 historias de pacientes intervenidos con una estapedotomía entre los años 2018 y 2019 en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael. Resultados: entre los años 2018 y 2019 se realizaron 32 estapedotomías, 62 % en mujeres, con una media de edad de 48,1 años, el 54,9 % fueron en el oído derecho; al 84,3 % se le realizó un abordaje transcanal, en el 78,1 % se usó prótesis Clip-pistón, en el 46,8 % se usaron prótesis de 4,75 mm; en el 69,7 % de los casos presentaban hipoacusia moderada preoperatoria, 6 pacientes presentaron vértigo, solo en 1 paciente se presentó Gusher como complicación y 1 perforación timpánica; en el 100 % de los pacientes se encontró un cierre satisfactorio del GAP de la vía aérea y ósea. Conclusión: la estapedotomía es un procedimiento que se realizó de manera exitosa en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael durante los años 2018 y 2019, teniendo en cuenta los buenos resultados auditivos posoperatorios dados por el cierre de la brecha entre la vía aérea y la vía ósea.

Objective: describe the experience of stapedotomy patients at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael in the years 2018 and 2019. Material and method: descriptive study in which a total of 32 medical records of patients undergoing stapedotomy between 2018 and 2019 at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael were reviewed. Results: between 2018 and 2019, 32 stapedotomies were registered, 62% female, with a mean age of 48.1 years, 54.9% in right ear; 84.3 % with transcanal approach, 78.1% Clip-piston prostheses were used, in 46.8 % 4.75 mm prostheses were used; 69.7 % presented moderate preoperative hearing loss, 6 patients presented vertigo, only 1 patient presented a gusher complication and 1 tympanic perforation. 100 % of the patients had a satisfactory air-bone gap closure. Conclusion: stapedotomy is a successful procedure performed at the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael during 2018 and 2019, considering the excellent postoperative auditory results given by the air-bone gap closure.

​Post-operative Auditory Gain in Patients Undergoing Intact Canal Wall Mastoidectomy and Ossiculoplasty with Primary Malleus Transposition (Rotation) Ossiculoplasty

Background: The absence of the long process of the incus with or without the absence of the stapes superstructure accountsfor >80% of the ossicular deformities encountered during surgery for chronic suppurative otitis media. Instead of using variousinterposing prosthesis in vogue to simplify ossicular reconstruction, to reduce time and cost, and to improve functional outcomesby retaining the catenary lever function of the handle of malleus, malleus is used by repositioning it. The present study evaluatesauditory gain after 1-year post-operative follow-up.Aim of the Study: This study aims to conduct audiological evaluation of patients who underwent malleus repositioningossiculoplasty over a period of 36 months.Materials and Methods: A total of 56 patients undergoing cortical mastoidectomy and ossiculoplasty in a tertiary care hospital inKerala over a period of 3 years were included in the study. Pure tone audiometry done, pure tone average (PTA) was calculatedfor the speech frequencies (500 HZ, 1000 HZ, and 2000 HZ). Air-bone gap was calculated and tabulated. Ossicular statusduring surgery was typed according to Austin[17] and Kartush[18] classification.Procedure: Malleus transposition and assembly with stapes were done. All the data were tabulated and analyzed usingstandard statistical methods.Observations and Results: Among 56 patients, 29 (51.78%) were males and 27 (48.21%) were females. The mean auditorygain in PTA among all the operated patients was 24.65 ± 1.20 dB. Mean air-bone gap closure was 26.30 ± 3.10 dB.Conclusions: Malleus relocation is a safe and efficient technique for ossicular reconstruction. The ideal position of the relocatedmalleus allows easier and more stable placement of middle ear ossicular grafts or prostheses. It helps to reduce operative timeand cost and to improve functional outcomes by retaining the catenary lever function of the handle of malleus.

Evaluation of the safety and effect of the endoscopic stapes surgery: a multi-center study / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the safety of endoscopic stapes surgery, and to compare the results with stapes surgery under microscopic approach.@*Methods@#This was a retrospective study. One hundred and thirty seven patients from Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University and other seven hospitals were enrolled in this study. Eighty eight patients, in whom 29 were male, and 59 were female, aged from 29 to 66 years old, with an average of 40.1±10.7, underwent endoscopic stapedotomy and 49 patients, in whom 17 were male, and 33 were female, aged from 32 to 64 yeas old, with an arerage of 38.7±9.2, underwent microscopic stapedotomy for otosclerosis. Interventions included endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgeries. Main outcome measures consisted of operating time, preoperative and postoperative hearing, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications. SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyzed the date (t test and χ2 test) .@*Results@#Patients in the group who underwent endoscopic stapes surgery showed a mean operative time of (74.1±26.0) min. Patients in the group treated by microscopic approach had a mean operative time (66.5±15.9) min. Statistical difference was evident (t=1.279, P<0.05) . The average operative time of endoscopic surgery became shorter as the cases increased. The average duration of the last 10 cases was shorter than that of the first 10 cases in both groups. The differences were significant (t value was 3.028, 3.610, both P<0.05). No statistical difference was found in air conduction threshold improvement (t=1.074, P=0.289) , air-bone gap closure (t=-0.135, P=0.893) and bone conduction improvement (t=1.222, P=0.228) between the two groups. No difference regarding the incidence of the postoperative complications (chorda tympanum damage: 6 cases vs 2 cases, χ2=0.08,P>0.05; vertigo:18 cases vs 9 cases,χ2=0.09, P>0.05; facial paralysis: 0 case vs 0 case) between the two groups was found.@*Conclusion@#Audiological outcomes achieved by endoscopic surgery are similar to the results obtained through a microscopic approach. Endoscopic stapes surgery is safe.

Degree of tinnitus improvement with stapes surgery - a review / Grau de melhora do zumbido com estapedectomia - uma revisão

Abstract Introduction Otospongiosis is temporal bone osteodystrophy, characterized by disordered bone resorption and neoformation in genetically predisposed individuals. Clinically, otospongiosis is characterized by progressive conductive and/or mixed hearing loss and by tinnitus. Objective A review of the last two decades of publications that report the degree of tinnitus improvement with stapes surgery. Methods 125 articles published in the last 20 years mentioning the relationship between otosclerosis and tinnitus. Literature has always shown that the hearing improvement after stapes surgery was the main result sought and found. However, recent articles has reinforced the need for surgery for the tinnitus improvement. The ideal time to assess tinnitus through different scales is in the sixth month post-operative. The estimated average hearing improvement is 93% and tinnitus is 85.52%. Results Summaries of 12 articles were reviewed which fulfilled the search criteria of the survey, and 8 studies were included in the study according the selection criteria. This studies investigating the degree of tinnitus improvement with stapes surgery, using different scales as: tinnitus functional index, visual analog scale, tinnitus functional index and visual analog scale, visual analog scale and "questionnaire asking about tinnitus", Newman's method and Tinnitus Score Advocated by the Japan Audiological Society. The total of the samples of the evaluated articles was of 254 participants. Conclusion We conclude that stapes surgery is effective for the treatment of tinnitus (average improvement is 85.52%), and hearing loss (average improvement is 93%). When deciding about the surgical indication in patients with otosclerosis, the presence and level tinnitus should be considered as well as the level of hearing.

Resumo Introdução A otosclerose é uma osteodistrofia do osso temporal, caracterizada pela reabsorção e neoformação óssea desordenadas em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos. Clinicamente, a otosclerose é caracterizada por perda auditiva progressiva condutiva e/ou mista e por zumbido. Objetivo Uma revisão das últimas duas décadas de publicações que relatam o grau de melhora do zumbido com a estapedectomia. Método Foram analisados 125 artigos publicados nos últimos 20 anos que mencionavam a relação entre otosclerose e zumbido. A literatura sempre mostrou a melhoria auditiva como principal objetivo e resultado da estapedectomia. No entanto, artigos recentes reforçaram a necessidade de cirurgia para a melhoria do zumbido. O momento ideal para avaliar o zumbido através de diferentes escalas é no sexto mês pós-operatório. A melhoria auditiva média estimada é de 93% e a do zumbido, de 85,52%. Resultados Foram revisados resumos de 12 artigos que preencheram os critérios de pesquisa, foram incluídos no estudo 8 artigos de acordo com os critérios de seleção. Este estudo investiga o grau de melhora do zumbido com a estapedectomia, utilizando diferentes escalas: tinnitus functional index, escala visual analógica, tinnitus functional index e escala visual analógica, escala visual analógica e "questionário sobre o zumbido", método de Newman e o Tinnitus Score Advocated, da Sociedade Audiológica do Japão (Japan Audiological Society). O total das amostras dos artigos avaliados foi de 254 participantes. Conclusão Concluímos que a estapedectomia é bastante eficaz no tratamento do zumbido (melhoria média de 85,52%) e perda auditiva (melhoria média de 93%). Ao decidir sobre a indicação cirúrgica em pacientes com otosclerose, a presença e o nível de zumbido devem ser considerados, assim como o nível de audição.

Short-Term Audiological Results of Diode Laser in Comparison with Manual Perforation in Stapes Surgery

Abstract Introduction Diode laser is a new alternative in stapes surgery for otosclerosis. The present study is the first to compare the short-term results of the surgery performed using diode laser to those obtained through the conventional fenestration technique. Objective To use audiometry to establish a comparative analysis between the functional results obtained through surgery for otosclerosis using diode laser and the conventional technique. Method Audiometric evaluation of 12 patients submitted to stapes surgery for otosclerosis, using diode laser or conventional fenestration by needle and drills, between 2014 and 2015. Each group was composed of 6 patients. Pre and postoperative measures were compared for three months in both groups. The speech recognition threshold, the air and bone conduction threshold, as well as the gap between them at 500 Hz, 1 KHz, 2 KHz and 4 KHz were measured. Results Significant difference in bone conduction and SRT was observed when compared post- and preoperative results in the diode group. However diode and conventional technique groups presented significant differences in air conduction and air-bone gap, suggesting that both can provide functional improvement. Conclusion Laser stapedotomy is a safe technique with good results. Both laser surgery and the conventional technique have improved the hearing of patients with a discreet advantage for the diode laser. Further prospective and randomized clinical trials are required to disclose all possible benefits of the stapes surgery using diode laser.

Índice de éxito en cirugía del estribo en el tratamiento de otoesclerosis / Index of success in stapes surgery in the treatment of otosclerosis

Introducción: La otoesclerosis es un padecimiento que ocasiona hipoacusia y es de relativa frecuencia en nuestra región con tratamiento quirúrgico bien establecido e índice de éxito relativamente alto. Objetivo: Determinar el índice de éxito del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en un tercer nivel de atención. Diseño: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Materiales y Métodos. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes con diagnóstico de otoesclerosis y manejo quirúrgico con estapedectomía y estapedotomía en el servicio de otorrinolaringología de esta institución de julio 2009 a enero 2011. Resultados: De un total de 56 expedientes revisados en el período de estudio, se encontraron 36 expedientes completos, 61.9% mujeres y 27.1% hombres, con una edad media de 36.7 años; la afección bilateral fue del 80% y unilateral del 20%. Con respecto al síntoma predominante, 62% de los pacientes presentaron sólo hipoacusia y 38% tinitus e hipoacusia, con una duración media de 8.4 años. Los hallazgos audiológicos demostraron una prevalencia de hipoacusia conductiva moderada bilateral en 13 pacientes, severa bilateral en 4 casos, hipoacusia conductiva superficial unilateral en 2, hipoacusia conductiva severa y moderada unilateral con uno en ambos casos e hipoacusia conductiva unilateral superficial en 1. En 21 pacientes, se realizaron 29 cirugías, bilaterales en 10 pacientes, 7 en oído izquierdo y 2 en oído derecho y 2 decidieron no operar. Discusión: Se encontró un índice de éxito quirúrgico mayor del 90%. Conclusión: Los resultados presentados, fueron semejantes a los reportados en la literatura.

Introduction: Otosclerosis is a relatively frequent condition that causes hearing loss in our region. The surgical treatment is well established with stapedectomy and stapedotomy, and its success rate is high. Objective: To determine the success rate of surgical treatment of otosclerosis in a third level of care. Design: Observational, Cross sectional study. Material and methods: We reviewed the clinical records of patients with diagnosis and surgical management with stapedectomy and stapedotomy in the otorhinolaryngology department of this institution from July 2009 to January 2011. Results: Of a total of 56 files reviewed during the study period, 36 complete files were found, 61.9% were female and 27.1% were male, with a mean age of 36.7 years, bilateral affection was found in 80% of the patients and unilateral in 20%. Regarding to the predominant symptom, 62% of the patients had only hearing loss and 38% reported tinnitus and hearing loss, with an average duration of 8.4 years. The audiological findings showed a prevalence of moderate bilateral conductive hearing loss in 13 cases, bilateral severe in 4 cases, unilateral conductive hearing loss in 2, unilateral moderate and severe conductive hearing loss in one case, and unilateral conductive hearing loss in 1. In 21 patients, 29 surgeries were carried out, bilateral in 10 patients, 7 in the left ear and 2 in the right ear and 2 decided not to operate. Discussion: A surgical success rate of more than 90% was found. Conclusion: The results presented were similar to those reported in the literature.

Effects of fixation of stapes footplate on the middle ear transfer function using a finite element ear model / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of stapes footplate fixation of on the middle ear transfer function. METHODS A finite element model of stapes footplate fixation was developed by changing the Young's module after constructing a normal adult finite element ear model, which was developed based on a normal temporal bone scanning data using Micro-CT. The displacement at the umbo of tympanic membrane and at the center of the stapes footplate were calculated under certain sound pressure. RESULTS In case of stapes footplate fixation, compared with the normal data, the displacement at the center of stapes footplate was reduced significantly (-47 dB), but which was mild at the umbo of tympanic membrane. CONCLUSION The stapes footplate fixation ear model in this study showed an obvious displacement reduction of the stapes footplate. Further study using fresh temporal bone is necessary.

Obliquity of the Stapes in Otosclerosis: A New Radiological Sign

Abstract Introduction Observing the obliquity of stapes by closely scrutinizing the HRCT temporal bone in otosclerosis revealed a reliable and consistent finding. This finding can add to the existing radiological criteria in diagnosis of otosclerosis. Objective The objective of this study is to establish the obliquity of stapes in otosclerosis by radiological measurements using HRCT temporal bone by comparing: (a) the distance between the horizontal (tympanic) segment of facial nerve and stapes head in otosclerotic ears (study group) with non-otosclerotic ears (control group); and (b) the angle subtended by stapes with promontory in the study and control groups. Methods This is a prospective study performed after the institutional Ethics Committee clearance (IEC 3/2013). Results An increased mean distance between the horizontal segment of facial nerve and stapes head in otosclerotic patients (i.e., 2.49mm +/ 0.24mm SD), when compared with the non-otosclerotic patients (i.e., 1.46mm +/ 0.16mm SD) is noted. There is a change in angle (i.e., 64.550 +/ 7.190 SD) subtended by the stapes toward the promontory in otosclerotic ears when compared with that of controls (i.e., 99.700 +/ 40 SD). We applied the Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test and considered p value of < 0.0001 highly significant. Conclusions Obliquity of stapes in otosclerosis referred to as a "Pisa" sign by the senior author has diagnostic value as a new radiological sign in imaging of otosclerosis. This obliquity explains the torsional effect of otosclerosis on the ossicular chain. The findings correlate with late complications and failures in stapes surgery.

Evaluation of Functional Outcomes after Stapes Surgery in Patients with Clinical Otosclerosis in a Teaching Institution

Introduction Otosclerosis is a primary disease of the temporal bone that leads to stapes ankylosis. Hearing loss is the main symptom. Treatment includes surgery, medical treatment, and sound amplification therapy alone or in combination. Objective To evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with clinical diagnosis of otosclerosis undergoing primary stapes surgery in a teaching institution. Method Retrospective descriptive study. Results A total of 210 ears of 163 patients underwent stapes surgery. Of the 163 patients, 116 (71.2%) underwent unilateral surgery and 47 (28.8%) underwent bilateral surgery. Six of the 210 operated ears had obliterative otosclerosis. The average preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap was 32.06 and 4.39 dB, respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative bone conduction threshold was 23.17 and 19.82 dB, respectively. A total of 184 (87.6%) ears had a residual air-bone gap <10 dB, and 196 (93.3%) had a residual air-bone gap ±15 dB. Two patients (0.95%) had severe sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion Stapes surgery showed excellent functional hearing outcomes in this study. This surgerymay be performed in educational institutions with the supervision of experienced surgeons.