A stapedotomy is a surgical procedure of the middle ear performed to improve hearing. If the stapes footplate is fixed in position, rather than being normally mobile, then a conductive hearing loss results. There are various causes of stapes fixation.
The operation to allow sound to pass into the inner ear again is called a stapedectomy, or stapedotomy depending on the size of hole made into the oval window , but the operations are pretty much the same.The surgery is usually performed on an out-patient basis and takes about an hour.It is usually performed with sedation , although some patients require general anesthesia.
In most cases, the operation can be completed by working through the ear canal,although sometimes an incision needs to be made behind the ear if the ear canal is small or the anatomy is different.A microscope and laser are used.
The ear is completely numbed and incisions are made in the ear canal and the drum is lifted up out of the way.The diagnosis is confirmed by making sure that the other bones are normal. A vein graft from the hand or arm or a tissue graft from behind the ear is obtained through a tiny incision. The top of the stapes bone is removed and an opening is made into the base, or footplate of the stapes bone. A prosthesis made of titanium is placed between the hole and the incus bone and a tissue graft is used to help seal the hole. The drum is put down into position, the hearing is tested and packing is placed in the ear canal.
