[The Erbium-Yag laser in stapes surgery].

Laser has been used for 21 years in otology. This technique was introduced to decrease the number of complications after micromanipulations within the middle ear. Continuous-wave laser and pulsed laser have clinical application. In the ENT Dept. in Poznań pulsed Er-Yag laser (Zeiss Corp.) is used in the treatment of otosclerosis. First experiences and results of treatment of 35 patients using this method were presented. In all patients recovery of hearing was observed. No damage of the inner ear (deafness or hypoacusis) was found.