Minimally traumatic stapes surgery for otosclerosis: Risk reduction of post-operative vertigo

The author (Dr. Shiao) modified traditional stapes surgery (TSS) specifically for patients with otosclerosis. The proposed technique, referred to as minimally traumatic stapes surgery (MTSS), reduces the risk of subjective discomfort (i.e. vertigo and tinnitus) following surgery. This paper compares the effectiveness of MTSS with that of TSS.

The medical records of patients with otosclerosis after stapes surgery (TSS or MTSS) were analyzed. Outcome variables included post-operative vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing success. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between surgical technique and outcome variables.

TSS was performed in 23 otosclerosis ears and MTSS was performed in 33 otosclerosis ears. The risk of post-operative vertigo was significantly lower among patients that underwent MTSS (27%) than among those that underwent TSS (83%, p < 0.001). No differences in the incidence of tinnitus were observed between the two groups. Post-operative audiometric outcomes were also equivalent between the two groups. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a correlation between post-operative vertigo and surgical technique (p < 0.001).

MTSS involves a lower risk of vertigo than does TSS. MTSS helps to prevent damage to the footplate, thereby reducing the risk of footplate floating. Therefore, MTSS provides a means to overcome some of the limitations associated with the narrow surgical field in Asian patients.