Stapedectomy: incus bypass procedures. A report of 203 operations

The records of 203 stapedectomy operations in which we used a prosthesis from the malleus handle or a columella from the tympanic membrane were reviewed; 63 operations were primary stapedectomies, and 85% had a postoperative conductive deficit of 15 dB or less. The most common single indication for an incus bypass procedure was idiopathic malleus head fixation. Sixty-six operations were revision stapedectomies; 65% had a postoperative deficit of 15 dB or less. In 50% the bypass indication was necrosis of the incus. There were 74 stapedectomies in a previously fenestrated ear; 60% had a postoperative deficit of 15 dB or less. Incus bypass procedures in stapedectomy, when indicated, yield satisfactory hearing results. Otolaryngologists who perform stapedectomy must be familiar with these procedures.