What Is Stapedotomy Surgery?
Stapedotomy (also called stapedectomy) is a surgical procedure where the stapes bone in the middle ear is replaced with a prosthesis. This operation helps restore sound transmission to the inner ear and is used to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis—a condition where abnormal bone growth stiffens the stapes, limiting its movement.
Steps of Stapedotomy Surgery
Elevating the tympanic membrane (ear drum).
The stapes bone is removed.
The ossicular chain is tested for motion.
Vein graft covers the opening of the footplate.
The stapes footplate is opened.
The prosthesis is placed onto the Incus.
The prosthesis resting on the vein graft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stapedotomy surgery is a procedure where the stapes bone in the middle ear is replaced with a prosthesis. This surgery improves hearing by restoring sound transmission to the inner ear, primarily used to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a condition where abnormal bone growth stiffens the stapes bone.
Stapedotomy surgery is aimed at treating otosclerosis, a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth that stiffens the stapes bone in the middle ear. This stiffness restricts the bone's movement, impairing sound conduction and causing hearing loss, which the surgery helps to reverse.
The main steps include elevating the tympanic membrane, testing the ossicular chain for motion, removing the stapes bone, opening the stapes footplate, covering the footplate opening with a vein graft, placing a prosthesis onto the incus, and ensuring the prosthesis rests securely on the vein graft. These steps restore the movement necessary for sound conduction.
The prosthesis replaces the removed stapes bone and is placed onto the incus bone, resting on a vein graft that seals the footplate opening. It functions to transmit sound vibrations efficiently from the middle ear to the inner ear, thereby improving hearing.
A vein graft is used to cover the opening created in the stapes footplate during surgery. It helps seal the area, preventing fluid leakage from the inner ear and providing a stable base for the prosthesis to rest on, ensuring the success of the hearing restoration.
Yes, stapedotomy is sometimes referred to as stapedectomy. Both terms describe the surgical procedure that involves removing or partially removing the stapes bone and replacing it with a prosthesis to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis.