Stapedectomy is a type of ear surgery performed to treat inner ear hearing loss. This procedure involves the stapes bone in the middle ear and is commonly used to treat a condition called otosclerosis.
Purpose of Stapedectomy:
- The stapes bone in the middle ear is one of three small bones responsible for transmitting sound waves to the inner ear.
- Otosclerosis causes the stapes bone to harden abnormally, resulting in loss of movement. This prevents sound from being transmitted to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
- During a stapedectomy, this hardened bone is removed and replaced, usually with a prosthetic implant, to restore sound transmission to the inner ear.
Surgical Process:
- The surgery is performed under either general or local anesthesia.
- The surgeon carefully removes the stapes bone and places an artificial prosthesis in its place.
- This prosthesis is designed to effectively transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.
Success and Outcomes:
- Stapedectomy generally has a high success rate in correcting hearing loss caused by otosclerosis.
- Patients typically experience significant improvement in hearing after the surgery.
- However, complications are rare but possible, including dizziness, facial nerve paralysis, infection, or total hearing loss.