title: [The semiconductor diode laser application in tympanoplasty].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the method, indications and initial results of semiconductor diode laser application in tympanoplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  The diode laser was used in 14 tympanoplasty procedures. The laser manipulation was mainly used in cases of malleus and incus bony fixation with the tympanum, the fibrous scar tissue around the ossicular chain and the malleus head resection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no postoperative vertigo and facial paralysis. The average hearing improvement was 24 dB. Seven cases (50%) reached an air-bone gap within 20 dB.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The application of diode laser in tympanoplasty could effectively reduce the manipulation trauma of ossicular chain and control the bleeding of operative field, especially in managing the bony adhesion of the ossicular chain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Z J
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000601:surgery; D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012666:Semiconductors; D014433:Tympanoplasty / Q000379:methods*