A review of 89 revision stapes surgeries for otosclerosis

SummaryObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the causes and the audiometric results of revision surgery following stapedotomies and stapedectomies.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed a series of 89 revisions after surgery for otosclerosis between 1993 and 2008. Intraoperative findings, causes of failure, and pre- and postoperative audiometric results were noted retrospectively.ResultsThe leading causes of failure found intraoperatively included dislocated prosthesis and necrosis of the long process of the incus. The average postoperative air–bone gap was 13 dB. Closure of the air–bone gap to within 10 dB was achieved in 52% of patients.ConclusionStapes revisions had less satisfactory results compared with primary procedures in this series. However, certain precautions during initial surgery should decrease the number of stapes surgery revisions.