[Results after erbium:YAG-laser stapedotomy].

BACKGROUND

The analysis of postoperative results after Erbium : YAG-Laser stapedotomy in patients with otosclerosis.

METHODS

For all operations the microscope-integrated Erbium : YAG-Laser Twin ER (Zeiss, Oberkochen) was used by different surgeons. Data of 53 patients who were operated on between October 1993 and May 1999 were analysed. The mean follow-up time was 17 months. Postoperative bone-conduction and air-conduction thresholds and the presence of postoperative tinnitus and vertigo were analysed. The data were analysed according to the guidelines of the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (1994).

RESULTS

In 49 patients unchanged preoperative minus postoperative pure tone bone conduction averages at 1, 2, and 4 kHz were observed. In 4 patients a slight deterioration between 10 and 20 dB was seen. In 2 patients a new postoperative tinnitus was observed. No patient suffered from vertigo at the time of evaluation. In 22 patients the postoperative air-bone gap was between 0 and 10 dB, in 25 patients between 11 and 20 dB, and in 6 patients between 21 and 30 dB. No patient had a postoperative air-bone gap of more than 30 dB.

CONCLUSIONS

The Erbium : YAG-Laser stapedotomy is a safe technique. Good postoperative hearing results may be achieved in patients with otosclerosis.