Redefining endoscopic stapedotomy: A detailed exploration of endoscopic principles and surgical techniques

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to investigate the practicality, safety, and effectiveness of endoscopic stapedotomy (ES) for otosclerosis. To assess audiological outcomes and any complications that arose during our experience at the hospital.

Methods: A Case Series of 42 patients underwent ES at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. Patients were carefully selected based on a confirmed diagnosis of otosclerosis, age (18 years or older), and no history of prior ear surgery or chronic middle ear issues. We diligently collected data on patient characteristics, surgical specifics, hearing outcomes, and any complications encountered and then analyzed this data to see how ES affected patients’ hearing and how safe it was.

Results: Significant improvement in air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and the air-bone gap (ABG) after surgery (p < 0.0001 for all). On average, the surgery took 31 min to perform. Complications were rare, with only a few patients experiencing mild vertigo. Notably, we had no cases of taste disturbance (dysgeusia) or eardrum perforation. As the surgeon gained more experience with ES, we noticed a trend toward shorter operating times and fewer complications.

Conclusion: Our experience with ES suggests that it is a feasible, effectual, and the safest technique for treating otosclerosis. It offers significant benefits in terms of better visualization and less invasive surgery, but it does require specialized training. It is clear that a surgeon’s experience with this technique plays a significant role in achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.