Conventional vs. diode laser stapedotomy: audiological outcomes and clinical safety.

PURPOSE: To compare the hearing results and clinical safety of patients undergoing stapes surgery with conventional technique and diode laser. METHODS: Retrospective observational study, which included patients treated with primary stapes surgery performed between January 2009 and January 2020. Three audiometric measurements (PTA, GAP and SDS) were evaluated as main results, evaluated by analysis of covariance (controlling the preoperative value). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also analyzed. Outcomes were measured 6 months (± 1 month) after surgery. RESULTS: 153 cases were included, 97 operated with conventional technique and 56 with laser technique. Postoperative GAP ≤ 10 dB was obtained in 85.6% of the total sample, 82.5% in the conventional technique and 91.1% in the laser technique. Analysis of covariance showed no significant differences in the three surgery outcomes between the two groups (PTA, p = 0.277; GAP, p = 0.509 and SDS, p = 0.530). Regarding surgical complications, sensorineural damage was higher in the conventional technique group (p = 0.05). On the other hand, there were four cases of facial paresis, all in the laser group, three of them with the 980 nm laser. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy offered a high percentage of hearing success in the two groups studied. There were no significant differences in audiometric result, but there was a differential presentation of complications, being more frequent sensorineural hearing loss in the conventional technique group and facial paresis in the laser group.

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

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.

High-resolution computed tomography and pure-tone audiometry in patients with otosclerosis in the spongiotic phase.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus in the literature regarding the relationship between high-resolution computed tomography findings and hearing thresholds in pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis. This study evaluated the association between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis in the spongiotic phase. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 57 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation and tomographic findings. Air conduction and bone conduction thresholds on audiometry, and air-bone gap, were analysed. RESULTS: There were no correlations between sites affected by otospongiosis and air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold or air-bone gap in the analysed tomographic images, but the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum. CONCLUSION: There were no relevant associations between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometric measurements. However, the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum.

Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of Stapedotomy Patients: Audiological Outcomes and Associated Factors in a Middle Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term (postoperative), medium-term (5 years), and long-term (10 and 15 years) audiometric results of patients who underwent stapedotomy and to determine specific factors associated with better postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case review of 486 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation who underwent microscopic small fenestra stapedotomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and medium- and long-term air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and air-bone gap (ABG) were assessed. Postoperative factors associated with better postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: At 10- and 15-year follow-ups, ABG, AC, and BC were significantly deteriorated but clinically preserved in comparison with postoperative results. According to a multiple quantile regression, younger age was associated with better postoperative results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.003) and 4 kHz (p = 0.028) and a smaller preoperative ABG was associated with better audiometric results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.048), 0.5 kHz (p = 0.001), and 4 kHz (p = 0.001). In addition, younger age (p = 0.001 for AC and p < 0.001 for BC) and preoperative AC PTA (p < 0.001 for AC) were significantly associated with better postoperative AC and BC PTA. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy surgery provides short-, medium-, and long-term hearing benefits in our studied cohort. ABG, AC, and BC thresholds obtained after the surgery are clinically preserved in 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-ups, with an age-expected BC deterioration. Smaller preoperative ABG and younger age were positive predictors for better postoperative ABG. Future research should address long-term subjective and quality of life outcomes.

Experiencia en estapedostomías en Hospital del Salvador entre 2012 y 2018 / Stapedotomy experience at Hospital del Salvador between 2012 and 2018

INTRODUCCIÓN: La otoesclerosis es una enfermedad de presumible origen metabólico que determina la fijación de la cadena osicular. La estapedostomía con instalación de prótesis es la cirugía de elección en la actualidad para esta patología. OBJETIVO: Describir experiencia y resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con otoesclerosis en el Hospital del Salvador entre los años 2012 y 2018. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo mediante revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente en nuestro servicio desde enero de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2018 con sospecha de otoesclerosis. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron en total 52 cirugías a 45 pacientes, 40 vía microscópica, 10 vía endoscópica y 2 mixtas, se utilizaron dos modelos de prótesis, Schuknecht - type piston and wire y Stapes-Prothesen. El promedio tonal puro (PTP) por vía aérea prequirúrgico fue de 65 dB, con una diferencia ósea-aérea (gap) promedio de 36 dB. El PTP promedio posquirúrgico fue de 35 dB con gap promedio de 9 dB, logrando en promedio una mejoría de 31 dB en la vía aérea y 27 dB de cierre de gap. El 92% de los pacientes intervenidos lograron mejoría con respecto al gap posoperatorio. CONCLUSIÓN: La estapedostomía es una intervención que si bien no está exenta de complicaciones, ha demostrado ser segura y tener buenos resultados auditivos en la mayoría de los pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Otosclerosis is a presumable metabolic disease that determines ossicular chain fixation. Stapedotomy with prosthesis installation is the surgery of choice for this pathology at present. AIM: To describe the experience and results of the surgical treatment of patients with otosclerosis in the Hospital del Salvador between 2012 and 2018. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical records were reviewed of patients treated surgically in our department from January 2012 to September 2018 with suspicion of otosclerosis. RESULTS: A total of 52 surgeries were performed in 45 patients, 42 via microscopy and 10 via endoscopy, two models of prostheses were used Schuknecht - type piston and wire y Stapes-Prothesen. The pure tonal average (PTP) by pre-surgical air was 65 dB, with an average air gap (gap) of 36 dB. The average post-surgical PTP was 35 dB with an average gap of 9 db, achieving on average an improvement of 31 dB in the airway and 27 dB of gap closure. 92% of the patients who underwent surgery improved with respect to the postoperative gap. CONCLUSION: The stapedotomy is an intervention that although not free of complications, has been shown to be safe and have good hearing results in most patients.

A comparison between endoscopic and microscopic approaches for stapes surgery: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the surgical techniques, approaches, audiological outcomes and complications of endoscopic stapes surgery. METHODS: Systematic searches of the literature were performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, to identify studies of patients who underwent stapes surgery using endoscopic approaches and studies reporting objective post-operative hearing outcomes. The following information was extracted: surgery duration, complications, surgical technique and audiometric results. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were selected for appraisal, which included a total of 282 ears subjected to endoscopic stapes surgery. Endoscopic stapes surgery seems to provide adequate visualisation of the middle-ear structures, thereby allowing less invasive surgery and potentially equivalent audiological outcomes as compared with a traditional microscopic approach. Other advantages of endoscopic stapes surgery include decreased surgery time, a reduced need for drilling, and auditory results comparable to those of microscopic techniques. CONCLUSION: Studies have shown that endoscopic stapes surgery has similar surgical and functional advantages as compared with microscopic surgery.

Resultados auditivos del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el departamento de otorrinolaringología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Auditory results of surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the department of otolaryngology of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

RESUMEN Introducción: La otoesclerosis representa la causa de hipoacusia de conducción más común en adultos jóvenes. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen amplificación mediante audífonos o resolución quirúrgica a través de cirugías como estapedectomía total o parcial, estapedostomía o implante coclear. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el Departamento de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile entre los años 1999 y 2018. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte no concurrente con revisión de fichas clínicas y protocolos operatorios de pacientes atendidos en nuestro centro. Se registraron y analizaron las características biodemográficas de los pacientes, técnicas quirúrgicas, resultados auditivos, complicaciones, necesidad de reintervención y uso de audífono. Resultados: De un total de 78 pacientes sometidos a estapedectomía parcial (platinectomía parcial) o estapedostomía se incluyeron finalmente 37 quienes tenían datos clínicos completos, lo que corresponde al 47,4% del total. En ambos tipos de cirugía el promedio de gap óseo-aéreo varió de 30,8 dB en el preoperatorio a 13,9 dB en el posoperatorio lo cual es estadísticamente significativo. El promedio de variación de la vía aérea, éste fue mayor en el grupo de pacientes operados de estapedostomía, sin existir diferencias estadísticamente significativas al realizar test no paramétricos. Conclusión: Las características demográficas y los resultados auditivos obtenidos en nuestro centro son comparables con los descritos en la literatura. No existen diferencias significativas en cuanto al tipo de cirugía y la frecuencia y tipo de complicaciones, aunque se observan mejores resultados auditivos en los pacientes operados de estapedostomía.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Otosclerosis represents the most common cause of hearing loss in young adults. Treatment options include amplification with hearing aids or surgical resolution with surgeries such as total and partial stapedectomy, stapedostomy or cochlear implant. Aim: To describe the results of the surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Clinical Hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile between the years 1999 and 2018 Material and method: A non-concurrent cohort study was performed with review of clinical files and operative protocols of patients seen in our center. The biodemographic characteristics of the patients, surgical techniques, auditory results, complications, need for reoperation and use of hearing aid were recorded and analyzed. Results: Of a total of 78 patients undergoing partial stapedectomy or stapedostomy, 37 were finally included, who had complete clinical data, which corresponds to 47.4% of the total. In both types of surgery, the average bone-air gap varied from 30.8 dB in the preoperative to 13.9 dB in the postoperative period, which is statistically significant. Regarding the average of variation of the airway, this was higher in the group of patients operated by stapedostomy without statistically significant differences when performing nonparametric tests. Conclusion: The demographic characteristics and the auditory results obtained in our center are comparable with those described in the literature. There are no significant differences in the type of surgery and the frequency and type of complications, although better hearing results are observed in patients operated by stapedostomy.

A modified method of local infiltration for endoscopic stapes surgery: how I do it.

PURPOSE: To present a modified method of local infiltration (MMLI) for endoscopic stapes surgery to reduce surgical time, bleeding and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 70 patients who underwent stapes surgery for otosclerosis by endoscopic and microscopic approaches. The MMLI was applied as follows: local infiltration was performed with one hand while the other hand inserted the endoscope into the ear canal to observe vasoconstriction signs on the monitor; the single site of infiltration was located at the center of the anterior conchal cartilage. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, preservation of anatomical structures, postoperative hearing and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The MMLI allowed for quick bleeding control and a clear and dry operative field. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss and preservation of anatomical structures were significantly reduced in the endoscopic group (P < 0.00) versus the microscopic group. The scutum was removed less frequent in the endoscopic group 7.1% versus 53.6% of the microscopic group (P < 0.00). The chorda tympani was preserved in all cases but it was more manipulated in the microscopic group 39.3% versus 9.5% of the endoscopic group (P < 0.00). No complications were observed and the hearing outcomes were significantly better than the preoperative thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on the use of a MMLI for endoscopic stapes surgery. Using this method, the surgeon performs the infiltration at one site and concurrently observes the vasoconstriction signs without the use of a microscope, frontal lamp or speculum. This method provides benefits in terms of operative time and complications.

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.

Degree of tinnitus improvement with stapes surgery - a review.

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.

Decision making in patients with natural myringostapediopexy: A study of the contralateral ear.

Naturally occurring myringostapediopexy frequently results in minimal hearing loss and is asymptomatic. Management decisions in such ears, however, often hinge on an appraisal of evolution toward cholesteatoma. The study of the contralateral ear has been used by our research team to infer the progression of chronic otitis media. This cross-sectional, comparative study describes the clinical findings of the contralateral ear in a series of patients with myringostapediopexy. This study included a historical and current sample of 46 patients divided into a pediatric (≤18 years) and an adult group. Patient distribution according to sex was similar (52.2% male), and 56.5% were adults. Mean conductive hearing loss ranged from 14.1 to 21.2 dB in ears with myringostapediopexy and from 16.0 to 26.6 dB in the contralateral ears according to the frequency assessed. The contralateral ear was normal in only 19.6% of the cases of myringostapediopexy. Central tympanic membrane perforation was found in 6.5% of the cases; perforation-retraction, in 17.4%; moderate or severe retraction, in 28.3%; and cholesteatoma, in 28.3%. The prevalence of cholesteatoma in the contralateral ear in the pediatric and adult groups was not significantly different (p = 0.5; χ(2) test). The presence of significant abnormalities, particularly cholesteatoma, in the contralateral ears suggests a probable unfavorable progression in cases of myringostapediopexy and may influence management decisions.

Surgical and Audiologic Outcomes in Endoscopic Stapes Surgery across 4 Institutions.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate intra- and postoperative outcomes of endoscopic stapes surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Four tertiary care otologic centers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five subjects 18 years and older who underwent endoscopic stapes surgeries were analyzed. Variables analyzed included surgical techniques and intraoperative findings. Outcomes measured included postoperative hearing and complications to date. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average patient age was 48.1 years (range, 26-87 years), with 60.0% female patients. Patients had a median follow-up of 5.13 months (range, 0.8-57.4 months). Of the subjects, 71.7% required scutum removal. The chorda tympani nerve was manipulated in 94.0% of subjects and transected in 12.0%. At last follow-up visit, the median air-bone gap decreased from 34.5 dB hearing level (HL) preoperatively to 9.0 dB HL postoperatively (P < .0001). Ninety percent of subjects had closure of their air-bone gap ≤20 dB HL. Intraoperative complications included tympanic membrane tears in 8.0% of subjects, all of which resolved at first follow-up. Postoperatively, 10.0% of subjects complained of altered taste. CONCLUSIONS: The present multicentered study of endoscopic stapes surgery demonstrates similar audiometric and postoperative outcomes previously published in the literature, with a median postoperative air-bone gap of 9.0 dB HL. Future prospective endoscopic stapes surgery studies, addressing the need for scutum removal, postoperative taste changes, and pain scores, are merited.

Estapedostomía endoscópica: experiencia en el Hospital del Salvador / Endoscopic Stapedotomy: experience at the Hospital del Salvador

Introducción: La otoesclerosis es una enfermedad metabólica, localizada y primaria del hueso de la cápsula ótica y la cadena osicular. Produce fijación de la cadena y consecuente hipoacusia de conducción. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente trabajo es mostrar la estapedostomía endoscópica como alternativa quirúrgica, y comparar sus resultados con la estapedostomía microscópica. Material y método: Estudio restrospectivo de revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente en nuestro servicio desde enero de 2012 hasta de junio de 2014 con sospecha de otoesclerosis. Se obtuvieron un total de 35 pacientes operados, 25 vía microscópica y 10 vía endoscópica. Resultados: El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 60 y 85 minutos para microscópica y endoscópica, respectivamente. El cierre de diferencia óseo aérea (gap), a los 2 meses, fue de 100% para endoscópica y de 92% para microscópica. Un paciente vía endoscópica y 2 pacientes vía microscópica presentaron disgeusia. Conclusiones: La estapedostomía endoscópica es una alternativa quirúrgica ya que permite una excelente visión y comprensión de la anatomía. Su mayor utilidad es que permite trabajar con mejor exposición en conductos auditivos externos (CAE) estrechos y angulados. También contribuye a disminuir el fresado del CAE con menor daño de la cuerda del tímpano. Sus resultados auditivos son comparables con la técnica con microscopio.

Introduction: Otosclerosis is a metabolic bone disease of the otic capsule and the ossicles. It is a primary disease that may cause fixation of the stape and conductive hearing loss. Aim: To show endoscopic stapedotomy as a surgical alternative, and to compare the results with the stapedotomy using microscope. Material and method: Clinical records were reviewed of patients treated surgically in our department from January 2012 to June 2014 with suspected otosclerosis. 35 patients were obtained, 25 using microscope and 10 using only endoscope. Results: Average operative time was 60 and 85 minutes to microscopic and endoscopic group respectively. Air-bone gap closureat 2 months was 100% for endoscopic and 92% for microscopic surgery. One patient of endoscopic surgery and two patients of microscopic surgery presented postsurgical dysgeusia. Conclusions: Endoscopic stapedotomyis a surgical alternative as it allows an excellent vision and understanding of anatomy; it can be performeddespite a curved and narrow external auditory canal (EAC), with a better exposure. It also helps to reduce the milling of EAC with less damage to the chorda tympani. Hearing result is comparable to the microscope surgery.

Audiometric evaluation after stapedotomy with Fisch titanium prosthesis.

UNLABELLED: Otosclerosis causes the fixation of the stapes and conductive hearing loss, usually corrected with the use of hearing aids or through stapedotomy and the replacement of the involved stapes with a prosthesis. Titanium has been the most recently used material of choice in stapedotomy prostheses. Only two prostheses are commercially available in Brazil. There are no reports in the literature on the Fisch-type Storz titanium stapes piston prosthesis. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aims to look into the auditory outcomes of patients submitted to stapedotomy and titanium stapes piston prosthesis implantation. METHOD: The criteria described by the American Academy of Otolaryngology were used to compare pre and postoperative air-bone gaps seen in audiometry tests. RESULTS: The mean low-frequency postoperative air-bone gap was 12.9 dB; the mean high-frequency air-bone gap was 5.2 dB (mean 9.1 dB); median gap was 8.8 dB, with a minimum of 1.3 dB and a maximum of 21.6 dB; standard deviation was 5.7 dB, and p < 0.001. Twenty-five (75.8%) patients had air-bone gaps of 10 dB and under; 32 (96.9%) patients had gaps of 20 dB and under; and all patients had gaps of 30 dB and under. CONCLUSION: The Fisch-type titanium stapes piston prosthesis presented outcomes consistent with the literature and can be used safely in stapedotomy procedures.

Avaliação audiométrica após estapedotomia com prótese de titânio do tipo Fisch / Audiometric evaluation after stapedotomy with Fisch titanium prosthesis

Otosclerose é uma doença que provoca fixação do estribo, levando à perda auditiva tipicamente condutiva, corrigida com aparelhos auditivos ou cirurgia de estapedotomia, substituindo o estribo doente por uma prótese. O material mais recentemente utilizado é o titânio e no Brasil há apenas duas próteses comercialmente disponíveis. A prótese de pistão tipo Fisch, da Storz, não possui resultados relatados na literatura. OBJETIVO: Estudo retrospectivo avaliando resultado auditivo após estapedotomia com uso desta prótese. MÉTODO: Usando critérios da Academia Americana de Otorrinolaringologia, comparou-se o gap nas audiometrias pré e pós-operatórias, avaliando-se melhora auditiva. RESULTADOS: O gap pós-operatório em baixas frequências teve média de 12,9 dB, em altas frequências de 5,2 dB (média 9,1 dB), mediana 8,8 dB, mínimo 1,3 dB e máximo 21,6 dB, desvio padrão 5,7 e p < 0,001. Dividindo o resultado conforme o gap pós-operatório a cada 10 dB, em 25 pacientes (75,8%) foi < ou igual a 10 dB, em 32 pacientes (96,9%) foi < ou igual a 20 dB, em 100% dos casos foi < ou igual a 30 dB. CONCLUSÃO: Prótese de pistão tipo Fisch apresenta resultados compatíveis com a literatura, podendo ser usada com segurança como mais uma boa opção para estapedotomia.

Otosclerosis causes the fixation of the stapes and conductive hearing loss, usually corrected with the use of hearing aids or through stapedotomy and the replacement of the involved stapes with a prosthesis. Titanium has been the most recently used material of choice in stapedotomy prostheses. Only two prostheses are commercially available in Brazil. There are no reports in the literature on the Fisch-type Storz titanium stapes piston prosthesis. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aims to look into the auditory outcomes of patients submitted to stapedotomy and titanium stapes piston prosthesis implantation. METHOD: The criteria described by the American Academy of Otolaryngology were used to compare pre and postoperative air-bone gaps seen in audiometry tests. RESULTS: The mean low-frequency postoperative air-bone gap was 12.9 dB; the mean high-frequency air-bone gap was 5.2 dB (mean 9.1 dB); median gap was 8.8 dB, with a minimum of 1.3 dB and a maximum of 21.6 dB; standard deviation was 5.7 dB, and p < 0.001. Twenty-five (75.8%) patients had air-bone gaps of 10 dB and under; 32 (96.9%) patients had gaps of 20 dB and under; and all patients had gaps of 30 dB and under. CONCLUSION: The Fisch-type titanium stapes piston prosthesis presented outcomes consistent with the literature and can be used safely in stapedotomy procedures.

Fully endoscopic stapes surgery (stapedotomy): technique and preliminary results.

UNLABELLED: Stapedotomies are performed with the aid of surgical microscopes. However, the microscope has some limitations and may cause complications such as damage to the chorda tympani nerve. There are just a few cases and no series published on the use of sino-nasal endoscopes in stapedotomies. OBJECTIVES: a) To investigate the feasibility of using sino-nasal endoscopes in stapedotomies, focusing on the visualization of important structures. b) To show initial results, discuss possible advantages and disadvantages of this instrument. METHODS: 15 patients with otosclerosis were selected to undergo stapedotomies in 2010. The data and surgery videos were analyzed retrospectively (study case series). The anatomical conditions of the oval window niche and surgical steps were described and used to assess possible benefits of such procedures. RESULTS: The surgeries were performed with endoscopes only and all relevant anatomical structures were visualized without difficulty. No complications were observed and 14 of the 15 patients reported improvement of their hearing, confirmed by postoperative audiological tests. CONCLUSION: Totally endoscopic stapes surgeries are technically feasible, safe and promising. In this small series, the main advantages were: virtually no trauma to the chorda tympani nerve and excellent vision. The disadvantages were the lack of stereoscopic vision, having to work with one hand only and the learning curve.

Estapedotomia totalmente endoscópica: técnica e resultados preliminares / Fully endoscopic stapes surgery (stapedotomy): technique and preliminary results

Estapedotomias são realizadas atualmente com o auxílio de microscópios cirúrgicos. Entretanto, o uso do microscópio possui algumas limitações, podendo causar algumas complicações, como lesão no nervo corda do tímpano. Há poucos casos e nenhuma série publicada sobre a utilização de endoscópios nasossinusais na realização de estapedotomias. OBJETIVOS: a) Investigar o uso do endoscópio nasossinusal em estapedotomias, com foco na visualização de estruturas importantes. b) Mostrar os resultados iniciais, discutindo as possíveis vantagens e desvantagens deste instrumento. METODOLOGIA: 15 pacientes com otosclerose foram selecionados para realizar estapedotomias em 2010. Os dados e vídeo cirúrgico foram analisados retrospectivamente (estudo de série de casos). As condições anatômicas do nicho da janela oval e passos cirúrgicos foram descritos para avaliar possíveis benefícios do procedimento endoscópico. RESULTADOS: As cirurgias foram realizadas exclusivamente com endoscópios e todas as estruturas com relevância anatômica, visualizadas sem maiores dificuldades. Nenhuma complicação foi observada e 14 dos 15 pacientes referiram melhora auditiva, confirmada com exames audiológicos pós-operatórios. CONCLUSÃO: Estapedotomias totalmente endoscópicas são tecnicamente viáveis, seguras e promissoras. Nesta pequena série as principais vantagens foram: praticamente nenhum trauma no nervo corda do tímpano e excelente campo de visão. As desvantagens foram falta de visão estereoscópica, trabalho unimanual e curva de aprendizado.

Stapedotomies are perfomed with the aid of surgical microscopes. However, the microscope has some limitations and may cause complications such as damage to the chorda tympani nerve. There are just a few cases and no series published on the use of sino-nasal endoscopes in stapedotomies. OBJECTIVES: a) To investigate the feasibility of using sino-nasal endoscopes in stapedotomies, focusing on the visualization of important structures. b) To show initial results, discuss possible advantages and disadvantages of this instrument. METHODS: 15 patients with otosclerosis were selected to undergo stapedotomies in 2010. The data and surgery videos were analyzed retrospectively (study case series). The anatomical conditions of the oval window niche and surgical steps were described and used to assess possible benefits of such procedures. RESULTS: The surgeries were performed with endoscopes only and all relevant anatomical structures were visualized without difficulty. No complications were observed and 14 of the 15 patients reported improvement of their hearing, confirmed by postoperative audiological tests. CONCLUSION: Totally endoscopic stapes surgeries are technically feasible, safe and promising. In this small series, the main advantages were: virtually no trauma to the chorda tympani nerve and excellent vision. The disadvantages were the lack of stereoscopic vision, having to work with one hand only and the learning curve.

Prótese ossicular em orelha média: o que procurar?: [revisão] / Prosthetic ossicular on middle ear: what look?: [review]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar os achados tomográficos normais e patológicos encontrados no pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos a implantes de prótese ossicular, avaliados retrospectivamente por tomografia computadorizada. A estapedectomia com inserção de prótese é considerada o método ideal em indivíduos com fechamento da janela oval secundário a otosclerosefenestral ou causas inflamatórias. Vários tipos de prótese são utilizados, dependendo da extensãoda doença e preferência do cirurgião. Os autores, após revisão da literatura, descrevem os achadospós-operatórios considerados normais e as várias complicações inerentes ao procedimentocirúrgico, incluindo perfuração da membrana timpânica, processo inflamatório pós-operatório, necrosecom subluxação ou extrusão da prótese, desenvolvimento de granuloma/colesteatoma oufibrose periprotética, fístula perilinfática, lesão do nervo facial, dentre outras. Os achados tomográficos relacionados ao pós-operatório, bem como às complicações supracitadas, são de grande importância para o conhecimento dos radiologistas, sendo imprescindível para a propedêutica diagnóstica uma estreita correlação clínico-cirúrgica.

The aim of this essay was to demonstrate the normal and pathological CT findings of the post-operative imaging of patients underwent ossicular prosthesis implants. The stapedectomy replacedby prosthesis is considered the “gold standard” treatment of patients with oval window closure, related to otosclerosis or otherinflammatory conditions. Several types of prosthesis are availableand the choice depends on the extension of the disease or thesurgeon’s preferences. Based on extensive literature review, thenormal postoperative findings, as well as some surgery inherentcomplications were described, including among others: perforationof the tympanic membrane, necrosis associated with subluxation/extrusion of the prosthesis. granuloma/cholesteatoma or periprosthetic fibrosis, perilymphatic fistula, facial nerve damage. The knowledge of post-operative and related complications CT findings is extremely useful for head and neck radiologist, but it is essentialfor an assertive diagnoses a close clinical correlation.

Resultados da cirurgia para otospongiose com dois tipos de prótese em procedimentos realizados por residentes / Results of stapes surgery for otosclerosis with two kinds of prothesis in residency training

A cirurgia do estapédio é um dos tratamentos indicados para a melhora da surdez condutiva secundária à otospongiose. O procedimento requer habilidade e experiência do cirurgião e faz parte do treinamento durante a residência médica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar qual tipo de prótese (teflon ou mista de metal e aço) apresenta melhores os resultados auditivos em cirurgias realizadas por residentes e a incidência de complicações. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas retrospectivamente 189 intervenções cirúrgicas que tiveram participação ativa de residentes, comparando-se os dois tipos de prótese utilizados. Os resultados audiométricos foram analisados conforme orientação do Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium e segundo o Amsterdam Hearing Evaluation Plots. RESULTADOS: O gap aéreo-ósseo diminuiu em média 21,90 dB (p<0,05) após o procedimento cirúrgico no grupo da prótese de teflon e 21,37 dB (p<0,05) no grupo da prótese mista, sendo o ganho do IRF de 22,33 e 26,10 dB (p<0,05), e o gap aéreo-ósseo foi inferior a 20 dB em 80,6 por cento e 85,04 por cento, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Não evidenciamos diferenças no resultado audiométrico e na incidência de complicações quando comparamos o tipo de prótese utilizada. Acreditamos ser válida a execução desse procedimento em serviços de treinamento de médicos residentes, independente do tipo de prótese.

Stapes surgery is one of the approaches indicated to treat conductive hearing loss secondary to otosclerosis. The procedures requires skill and experience from the surgeon and is part of medical residency training. AIMS: To assess which type of prosthesis (Teflon or metal/steel) presents the best results in surgeries performed by residents and the incidence of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: we retrospectively assessed 189 interventions that counted on the active participation of resident physicians, and we compared the two types of prosthesis used. Audiometric results were analyzed following the guidelines from the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium and also according to the Amsterdam Hearing Evaluation Plots. RESULTS: Bone-air gap reduced in an average value of 21.90 dB (p<0.05) after the surgery in the group that received the Teflon prosthesis and 21.37 dB (p<0.05) in the group that received the mixed prosthesis, and gain in SRI was of 22.33 and 26.10 dB (p<0.05), and the air-bone gap was below 20 dB in 80.6 percent and 85.04 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We did not see differences in the audiometry and in the incidence of complications when we compared the type of prosthesis used. We believe it is valid to continue teaching this procedure in medical residency training programs, regardless of the type of prosthesis.

Results of stapes surgery for otosclerosis with two kinds of prosthesis in residency training.

UNLABELLED: Stapes surgery is one of the approaches indicated to treat conductive hearing loss secondary to otosclerosis. The procedures requires skill and experience from the surgeon and is part of medical residency training. AIMS: To assess which type of prosthesis (Teflon or metal/steel) presents the best results in surgeries performed by residents and the incidence of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: we retrospectively assessed 189 interventions that counted on the active participation of resident physicians, and we compared the two types of prosthesis used. Audiometric results were analyzed following the guidelines from the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium and also according to the Amsterdam Hearing Evaluation Plots. RESULTS: Bone-air gap reduced in an average value of 21.90 dB (p<0.05) after the surgery in the group that received the Teflon prosthesis and 21.37 dB (p<0.05) in the group that received the mixed prosthesis, and gain in SRI was of 22.33 and 26.10 dB (p<0.05), and the air-bone gap was below 20 dB in 80.6% and 85.04%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We did not see differences in the audiometry and in the incidence of complications when we compared the type of prosthesis used. We believe it is valid to continue teaching this procedure in medical residency training programs, regardless of the type of prosthesis.