Stapes surgery: implications for training.

The worldwide decline in surgery for otosclerosis had been reflected by a similar pattern here in Great Britain. Unless we are prepared to accept poorer results than have formerly been achieved, we will have to adopt measures to ensure that the skills of stapes surgery are transferred to the next generation of surgeons. Using the results of our experience, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, over the past 18 years, I have examined the implications for surgical training and for the management of future patients with otosclerosis.