Post Stapedotomy Vestibular Deficit: Is CO₂ Laser Better than Conventional Technique? A Non-randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Audiology

Background:

• Small fenestra stapedotomy is the standard surgical treatment for otosclerosis.
• Vertigo is a frequent complication following stapes surgery.
• CO2 Laser-assisted stapedotomy is gaining traction due to its precision and potential for reduced vertigo.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare post-operative vestibular deficits between conventional and CO2 Laser-assisted small fenestra stapedotomy in otosclerosis patients.

Main Methods:

• Eighty otosclerosis patients underwent either conventional or CO2 Laser-assisted small fenestra stapedotomy.
• Vestibular function was assessed using static posturography (sway velocity) and the Vertigo Symptom Score (VSS-sf-V).
• Measurements were taken pre-operatively, and at one and four weeks post-operatively.

Main Results:

• All patients experienced temporary vestibular deficits one week post-surgery, which improved by four weeks.
• At one week, vestibular deficits were similar between the conventional and CO2 Laser groups.
• Four weeks post-surgery, the conventional group exhibited significantly greater sway velocity than the CO2 Laser group, with no significant difference in symptom scores.

Conclusions:

• CO2 Laser-assisted stapedotomy results in a lesser post-operative vestibular deficit compared to the conventional method.
• The findings suggest CO2 Laser stapedotomy may be advantageous in mitigating post-operative balance disturbances in otosclerosis management.