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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
[Surgical treatment of otosclerosis with argon laser]
C S Christensen1, H U Nielsen, P Bretlau
1H:S Rigshospitalet, Hoved OrtoCentret, afdelingen for øre-, naese- og halssygdomme, hoved-halskirurgi.
Objectives:
Argon laser stapedotomy is a new modality for the treatment of otosclerosis. The first results obtained in Denmark are reported.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective follow-up study was undertaken to evaluate the results of argon laser stapedotomy which was introduced in 1991 at the department of Otolaryngology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. The results are based on 85 consecutive primary stapedotomy operations with argon laser in 76 patients during the period January 1, 1991 to June 30, 1996. Mean follow-up was 16.6 months (6-60).
Results:
The postoperative air-bone gap was closed within 10 dB or less in 83% of the operations and in 20 dB or less in 98%. The mean speech reception threshold (SRT) was 48 dB preoperatively. All patients had an improved SRT after the operation, with a mean value of 23 dB. At 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz, 89% and 65% of the patients had maintained or improved their hearing. No patient developed profound sensorineural hearing loss or anacusis after the operation. Only one patient developed symptoms of a temporary perilymphatic fistula.
Conclusion:
Argon laser stapedotomy is a safe technique. Its complications are fewer and not as serious as conventional methods. In addition, the achieved hearing results are better, and thus it is a good example of "minimal invasive high success surgery".
