Functional results of 394 bilateral stapedotomies evaluated with the Glasgow Benefit Plot

This study aimed to evaluate the results of 394 bilateral stapedotomies according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) guidelines and with the Glasgow Benefit Plot (GBP) and also analyze the benefit of a second-ear stapedotomy in achievement of normal and symmetrical hearing using retrospective chart review. The charts of 1,369 stapedotomies performed by senior author (J.H.) from 1991 to 2006 were reviewed. Results of 394 bilateral stapedotomies were included. The hearing results were evaluated according to the 1995 AAO-HNS Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium (CHE) guidelines and the GBP criteria. Success rates after the first and second ear surgeries were separately analysed. ABG closure < or =20 dB was demonstrated in 98% of cases after both first and second procedures. Postoperative AC gain was higher in the first ear surgery compared with the second ear surgery in all groups of preoperative hearing impairment. As a result of first ear surgery, 142 (72%) patients changed into the category of unilateral hearing loss. As a result of second ear surgery, 125 (64%) patients changed into the category of normal and symmetric hearing. In this study the largest group of 394 primary bilateral stapedotomies was simultaneously evaluated according to AAO-HNS guidelines and GBP criteria. The results showed that the first ear surgery was more successful in achievement of normal hearing in the operated ear. Second ear surgery was more beneficial in providing symmetric hearing.