Preservation of the stapedius tendon in laser stapes surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The stapedius tendon is routinely transected during stapes surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technique of stapedial tendon preservation during stapes surgery and to compare results of these cases with cases where the stapedial tendon was not preserved.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Four groups of patients were evaluated. Two groups had undergone stapes surgery with preservation of the stapedial tendon. One of these groups underwent a laser stapedotomy minus prosthesis (laser STAMP) procedure, while the other group had a prosthesis inserted. The other two groups had undergone laser stapedotomy with one of two different prostheses being used. Audiometric data were obtained and reviewed both preoperatively and at approximately 6 weeks postoperatively.


RESULTS
All groups had overall successful results demonstrating that stapedial tendon preservation is technically possible and does not compromise outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results, it is recommended that the stapedius tendon be preserved whenever possible during laser stapes surgery. Reasons justifying its preservation are discussed.
Ear Research Foundation, Sarasota, Florida 34239, USA.
H
H
Silverstein
T O
TO
Hester
S I
SI
Rosenberg
D A
DA
Deems
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001299:Audiometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D013710:Tendons; D016896:Treatment Outcome