Superficial temporal vein graft in stapedotomy: a functional and aesthetic alternative

The Causse technique of performing stapedotomy with vein graft interposition is widely-employed, with the vein graft harvested from the dorsum of the hand/wrist. Donor site scarring may be of cosmetic concern, especially in female patients. A prospective series of 19 patients undergoing stapedotomy with vein graft harvested from the superficial temporal vein is evaluated from aesthetic and functional perspectives. Results show that vein interposition from this donor site is not only aesthically acceptable but just as successful in improving hearing outcome after stapedotomy. We suggest the use of the superficial temporal vein and/or its branches as an alternative vein graft in stapedotomy.