Erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser stapedotomy--a safe technique.
OBJECTIVE
To standardize the technical parameters of the erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser stapedotomy.


METHODS
Retrospective study of all patients with otosclerosis who underwent stapedotomy from January 2002 to January 2006.


METHODS
The charts of 152 consecutive patients who underwent stapedotomy were reviewed. The patients were stratified into two groups, according to the instrument used. Stapedotomies were performed in group A, with the OPMI TwinEr:YAG laser; and in group B with manual microperforators.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were found over all measured frequencies, between pre- and postoperative bone conduction thresholds, in each group. At the last postoperative follow-up, vertigo and nystagmus were not detected; two patients in group A and one patient in group B showed persistent tinnitus.


CONCLUSIONS
Er:YAG laser stapedotomy is a safe and effective procedure, with no damage of the inner ear when strict adherence to the safety parameters is observed. The Er:YAG laser is definitively suitable for stapes surgery, and represents a useful and safe tool in the armamentarium of otological microsurgery.
Parrilla
Claudio
C
Institute of Otolaryngology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. claudioparrilla@yahoo.com
Galli
Jacopo
J
Fetoni
Anna Rita
AR
Rigante
Mario
M
Paludetti
Gaetano
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D001844:Bone Conduction; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000379:methods*