Management and prevention of primary perilymph fistula in otosclerosis surgery.

Management of 10 cases of primary perilymph fistula is described. The modified technique of stapedectomy described in this article, seems to prevent primary perilymph fistula; time will tell if it will prevent secondary fistula. The hearing gain obtained with this technique is slightly inferior to the gain obtained with Gelfoam-wire prosthesis, but most significant is the fact that discrimination score is excellent in all cases. The author is convinced that the extra time and dexterity required to perform this procedure are well justified by the safety provided and the results obtained.