Argon laser in otosclerosis surgery.

Data are reported from 323 otosclerotic ears in which primary surgery was carried out by using a large fenestra stapedectomy technique with fascial sealing of the window. In 129 ears the footplate was perforated with an argon laser. In the whole series, one ear became deaf (0.3%) as a result of granulomatous reaction in the operated area. Results in the argon laser group were slightly better than those in the group with mechanical footplate perforation and reconstruction with wire and fascia. Use of argon laser facilitates stapes surgery and, when used judiciously, it is a very helpful tool in all types of ear surgery.