[The potential of multislice computed tomography for the detection of specific anatomic and topographic features of the facial nerve canal prior to stapedoplasty].

The objective of the present study was to estimate the potential of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) for the detection of specific anatomic and topographic features in the structure of the middle ear and the oval window region prior to stapedoplasty. We analysed the results of MSCT of the temporal bones in 20 patients presenting with otosclerosis (40 observations). All these patients underwent stapedoplasty, and the intraoperative findings were compared with the MSCT data. Specificity and sensitivity of MSCT for the detection of structural abnormalities in the middle ear were estimated at 91.3% and 84.6% respectively. It is concluded that the preoperative MSCT examination of the temporal bones yields the data that allow for the more accurate planning of the succeeding surgical intervention as well as for choosing its optimal strategy and extent, proper instruments, the type and length of the implant (prosthesis), and thereby for avoiding the possible complications and improving the prognosis of the treatment.