What is a Stapedectomy? What are its purposes and procedures?

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:

1. The surgery is performed under either general or local anesthesia.
2. The surgeon carefully removes the stapes bone and places an artificial prosthesis in its place.
3. 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.