Stapedotomy

Preparation

During the operation the upper section of the diseased stapes bone is removed and the fixed footplate is opened up. This procedure can be used to treat otosclerosis.
A prosthesis is placed in the opening of the footplate and attached to the long process of the incus.
This operation improves the transmission of sound vibrations via the ossicular chain to the cochlea, resulting in better hearing.
The operation is performed via the ear canal under local or general anaesthetic. It requires on average 2 days in hospital.

Try to rest as much as possible.
Do not lift, push, expel air forcefully, blow your nose or cough for a period of 4 weeks.
Do not fly for a period of 2 months.
Keep the ear free from water during 3 months.
Postoperative appointments must be attended.
You should contact your ENT physician immediately in the event of fever, pus emanating from the ear, increasing dizziness or sudden increase of hearing loss.
In the beginning oversensitivity to noise and a feeling of instability may occur.
The final result in terms of hearing is to be expected after a period of 6 months.