Lasers in stapes surgery: a review

Lasers in stapes surgery are used to divide the anterior and posterior crus of the stapes, divide the stapedius tendon and perforate the footplate. The ideal laser should not penetrate deeply into the perilymph (thereby increasing its temperature). It should be conducted through optical fibres, allowing easy manipulation, and should have good water absorption, equating to high bone ablation efficiency.

This review discusses the various different lasers used in stapes surgery with regard to their properties and suitability for this type of surgery. In particular, the laser parameters used are discussed to facilitate their clinical use.