Piezoelectric stapedotomy: the importance of a micropulse program

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Audiology

Background:

• Otosclerosis, a common cause of conductive hearing loss, often requires surgical intervention like stapedotomy.
• Piezoelectric stapedotomy offers a precise method for stapes footplate perforation.
• Optimizing surgical techniques is crucial for improving hearing outcomes and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a specific micropulse program during piezoelectric stapedotomy.
• To determine the impact of this program on hearing improvement in patients with otosclerosis.
• To compare outcomes between patients who underwent piezoelectric stapedotomy with and without the micropulse program.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 112 patients (Group A) with primary otosclerosis underwent piezoelectric stapedotomy using a specific micropulse program.
• A control group (Group B) of 30 patients had piezoelectric stapedotomy without this program.
• Comprehensive audiological assessments, including pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response, were performed pre- and post-surgery.

Main Results:

• All patients in Group A achieved a reduction in air-bone gap (ABG) within 1 year post-surgery.
• Complete closure of the ABG within 10 dB was observed in all patients in Group A.
• No instances of worsening bone conduction or postoperative sensorineural hearing loss were reported in either group.

Conclusions:

• The micropulse program represents a highly safe and effective approach for piezoelectric stapedotomy.
• Its use is recommended for all piezoelectric stapedotomy procedures to maximize safety and achieve optimal hearing results.
• The specific operative program significantly contributes to successful air-bone gap closure in otosclerosis surgery.