[Stapedectomy and a piston in otosclerosis]

At the Otolaryngological Clinic, Faculty Hospital Bratislava since 1971 to 1987 673 microsurgical operations on the stapes were made in patients with otosclerosis, incl. 73 using the method of stapedotomy and interposition of a teflon piston. The method was very successful. Hearing improved in 91.7% of the patients. In no instance marked deterioration of hearing or deafness developed. The surgical operation is associated with a smaller risk of damage to the inner ear. Patients tolerate stapedotomy well and the results are better than after stapedoplasties according to Schuknecht. The decibel gain is more even and at higher frequencies more marked than after stapedectomy. When the piston is used, greater precision and manual skill of the surgeon is essential, as compared with stapedectomy.