The learning curve in stapes surgery and its implication for training.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the 'stapedotomy' learning curve of 2 UK otolaryngologists.


METHODS
A retrospective review of the outcome of the first 100 stapedotomy operations by each surgeon. Included in the study was a postal survey of the incidence of stapes surgery by UK otolaryngologists.


METHODS
Two tertiary referral centres.


METHODS
All ears in which primary stapedotomy was performed for otosclerosis. Non-otosclerotic cases and malleus stapedotomy cases were excluded.


METHODS
One surgeon used the technique of small fenestra stapedotomy with either a Teflon wire or titanium piston, but without vein graft interposition, whilst the second employed the technique of stapedotomy with vein graft interposition, and a Teflon piston.


METHODS
The first 100 stapes operations performed by each surgeon were subdivided into consecutive groups of 10. Using a postoperative air-bone gap of 20 dB or better as a definition of 'success', the 'success rates' of each group were plotted on graphs - the learning curves. The end point of the learning curve was defined as the point 'where the curve reaches its plateau'.


RESULTS
The learning curves of both surgeons included 70-80 operations. Both surgeons had one 'dead ear' in their first 15 cases. The postal survey showed that some trainers only perform a small number of stapes surgeries, whereas some otolaryngologists who regularly perform stapedotomies were not trainers.


CONCLUSIONS
This is a mismatch of trainers and trainees in stapes surgery. If the current trend of decline in stapes surgery continues, it will take many years for some otolaryngologists to complete their learning curves.
Yung
M W
MW
Department of Otolaryngology, The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Ipswich, UK.
Oates
J
J
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D005276:Fenestration, Labyrinth; D006801:Humans; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000193:education*; D014025:Titanium; D006113:United Kingdom; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D014025:Titanium