[Facial paresis following stapedectomy (author's transl)]

An ususual complication after stapedectomy for otosclerosis is reported. After two vain attempts elsewhere, the tympanic cavity was opened for the third time. Since the incus was missing, a malleovestibuloplasty was undertaken, using the Schuknecht wire prosthesis. Hearing was very good. One day after the operation, a facial paralysis developed, and increased over the following days. After 18 days, the nerve was found to be oedematous and swollen above the fenestra ovale upto the level of the promontory and had forced the prosthesis out of the fenestra ovale. Six weeks later, nerve function was normal.