Stapedotomy performed with microdrill technique for otosclerosis: Hearing results and complications

ObjectiveThis paper describes the technique of low-speed microdrilling during stapedotomy in individuals with otosclerosis. It also evaluates the hearing results and complications using this technique to perform stapedotomy.Material and methodA retrospective study of 45 stapes surgeries performed in the last 6 years was reviewed. The technique was evaluated using audiometric results (air-bone gap closure, pure tone audiogram) and the rate of complications. The stapedotomy is performed with drilling the posterior crus of the stapes using the microdrill as close to the footplate as possible. The incudostapedial joint is separated with a joint knife, and the supra-structure is down fractured with a right-angled pick. A fenestration is made in the central area of the footplate using the microdrill. In these surgeries, the teflon prosthesis was used.ResultThe postoperative results using the low-speed microdrill technique showed improvement in hearing. Microdrill stapedotomy showed to be a safe procedure.