Assessment of the Techniques of Stapes Surgery

There are many different procedures for surgical operation on the stapes in the treatment of otosclerotic deafness. Each is capable of restoring the patient's hearing completely, but the procedures differ in the degree of risk involved. From experience with more than 5,000 stapes operations, the author concludes that no single technique guarantees complete success, and none is guaranteed against some failures. Total stapedectomy, when necessary, has been very effective, but it carries the greatest risk of irremediable cochlear damage and even total deafness. The author therefore believes that the proper order in choosing techniques for stapes surgery is to begin with mobilization and end with stapedectomy.