Argon laser in otosclerosis surgery

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Audiology

Background:

• Otosclerosis is a common cause of conductive hearing loss.
• Stapes surgery, specifically stapedectomy, is a primary treatment for otosclerosis.
• Traditional methods involve mechanical perforation of the stapes footplate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using an argon laser for stapes footplate perforation in large fenestra stapedectomy.
• To compare outcomes between argon laser perforation and mechanical perforation techniques.
• To assess the overall complication rate, including deafness, in a large series of stapes surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 323 primary large fenestra stapedectomy surgeries.
• Categorization of cases into argon laser footplate perforation (129 ears) and mechanical perforation groups.
• Surgical technique involved fascial sealing of the fenestra.

Main Results:

• A single case (0.3%) of deafness occurred due to a granulomatous reaction post-surgery across the entire series.
• The argon laser group showed slightly superior results compared to the mechanical perforation group.
• Argon laser use was found to facilitate stapes surgery.

Conclusions:

• Argon laser perforation is a safe and effective adjunct in stapes surgery for otosclerosis.
• The technique offers slight advantages over mechanical perforation.
• Judicious use of the argon laser is beneficial in various ear surgeries.