Totally endoscopic stapes surgery without packing: novel technique bringing most comfort to the patients

Many difficulties might be encountered during conventional stapes surgery. However, the good exposure provided by the endoscope can facilitate this procedure. The present study addresses the effectiveness of endoscopic stapes surgery with regard to the operation time and patients' convenience and satisfaction. 19 patients underwent endoscopic stapes surgery without packing. 15 patients who experienced the microscopic stapes surgery served as the comparison group. Audiometric results and the patients' satisfaction as measured by visual analog scale in both group were compared. Audiometric results were similar in both groups. Nevertheless, the endoscopic method was accompanied by shorter operation time and more comfort for the patients. Totally endoscopic stapes surgery can be done in much shorter time without major difficulties and without need to pack ear canal after surgery. Far less dissection and incision as well as patients' more satisfaction make this technique as a good alternative to the microscopic approach to stapes surgery.