Reconstruction of the entire ossicular conduction mechanism

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Stapes fixation combined with fixation, absence, or malformation of the malleus-incus complex requires an uncommon surgical reconstruction and offers a unique combination of challenges and hazards. This situation may occur in the presence of severe tympanosclerosis, otosclerosis, congenital ossicular malformations, and revision surgery for either stapedectomy or chronic ear disease. In previous reports, this procedure has been grouped with total ossicular reconstruction without much distinction. However, the challenges unique to this problem deserve special consideration. The present report offers a treatment plan for a group of patients requiring reconstruction of the entire ossicular conduction mechanism including removal of the stapes footplate. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Three thousand three hundred fifty (3350) charts of patients requiring total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORPs) were reviewed. Of this group of patients, only 21 of 3350 patients from 1977 to 1999 required TORP placement and removal of the stapes footplate. The patients were followed for an average period of 50 months. RESULTS: Hearing results indicated an overall improvement in the air-bone gap of 10 dB, with 52% achieving an air-bone gap of less than 20 dB. Of the 21 cases, 5 revision surgeries were performed. Three were performed because of a displaced TORP (14.2%). and 2 were performed because of extruded TORPs (9.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the entire ossicular conduction mechanism including removal of the stapes footplate can be successfully achieved with improvement of the air-bone gap of less than 20 dB. Hearing results and extrusion rates are comparable to reported results of TORP placement on a mobile footplate. Successful stapedectomy and simultaneous ossicular chain reconstruction can be performed as a single or staged procedure. Special attention is paid to avoid intrusion of the prosthesis into the vestibule.     

Predictive factors in pediatric stapedectomy

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of the study was to investigate predictive factors in the postoperative hearing outcomes in pediatric stapedectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. The study was performed in a tertiary academic otological practice. METHODS: The outcome of 66 stapedectomies in children 17 years of age and younger were analyzed according to the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines. Factors evaluated included patient age, underlying diagnosis (tympanosclerosis, otosclerosis, congenital fixation), type of footplate graft and type of prosthesis used, associated ossicular abnormalities, and revision surgery. RESULTS: The mean postoperative air-bone gap following stapedectomy in children with tympanosclerotic footplate fixation (24.9 dB [+/-11 dB]) was significantly worse than in patients with an underlying diagnosis of congenital stapes fixation (15.7 dB [+/-9 dB]) or otosclerosis (13.1 dB [+/-3 dB]) (P =.024). Revision stapedectomy was also associated with a poorer outcome, but patient age and prosthesis and graft type did not contribute to the outcome in a statistically significant manner. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with stapes fixation resulting from tympanosclerosis showed poorer outcomes from stapedectomy than patients with congenital or otosclerotic fixation. Outcomes for congenital or otosclerosis fixation more nearly matched the outcomes in the literature for adult series.     

The effect of stapes mobility on hearing outcome and which procedure to choose in fixed stapes in children tympanosclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate the features of tympanosclerosis in children and to determine the effect of stapes mobility and the type of one-stage operation on hearing outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one children who were performed different types of single-stage otologic surgery for tympanosclerosis between January 1997 and December 2006 were retrospectively chart reviewed. The children were divided into two groups according to the mobility of ossicular chain, especially the stapes. Stapes fixed group was also evaluated in detail according to the type of surgery that was performed. Patients who had previous ventilation tube insertion, tympanic membrane parasynthesis or any other otologic surgery were excluded from the study. Improvement of the hearing by at least 10 dB and air-bone gap less than 20 dB were accepted as success criteria after 24 months of follow-up period. RESULTS: The air conduction levels, and the air-bone gap values of both groups were improved significantly after the single-stage operations. Pure tone averages pre- and postoperatively for stapes mobile group were 45.55+/-15.96 and 34.50+/-16.64 dB (p=0.002); and in stapes fixed group these were respectively 43.97+/-13.45 and 33.16+/-12.14 dB (p<0.001). When pre- and postoperative air-bone gap levels were evaluated it was seen that in both groups they were improved more than 10 dB, from 34.10+/-11.37 to 23.05+/-12.32 dB (p=0.002) in stapes mobile group and from 35.29+/-11.65 to 24.48+/-12.50 dB (p<0.001) in stapes fixed group. In stapes fixed group air-bone gap was less than 20 dB in 11 of 23 (47.8%) patients who had mobilization and 3 of 8 (37.5%) patients who had small fenestra stapedotomy operations. Although it was not statistically significant, gain was more than 10 dB only in 2 of 8 (25.0%) patients in the stapedotomy group but 14 of 23 (60.9%) patients in mobilization group (p=0.698 for ABG and p=0.220 for gain). The change in the bone conduction levels were improved 0.75 dB in group 1 and got worse 0.52 dB in group 2 and this was not statistically significant (p=0.239). CONCLUSIONS: In this study about children, the status of stapes and the place of tympanosclerotic mass had no significant negative effect on hearing improvement. You can perform mobilization in one-stage if you are experienced and have to prefer second-stage surgery if stapes is fixed and stapedectomy is needed.     

An analysis of the single-stage tympanoplasty with over-underlay grafting in tympanosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to analyze the results of tympanosclerosis surgery using over-underlay tympanoplasty and to find out the effect of single-stage surgery on hearing results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients who were operated on for tympanosclerosis between July 1998 and February 2002 were included in the study. These were one-stage tympanoplasties, because second-stage operations and revisions were not included. Operative records and audiograms of the patients were obtained. Of the patients, 48% had bilateral tympanosclerosis. In three (7.1%) of the patients, tympanosclerosis and cholesteatoma occurred concomitantly. The cog was present in eight (20%) of 40 mastoidectomies. K?rner's septum was present in nine (22.5%) patients. The graft take rate was 95.2%. RESULTS: The pre- and postoperative air-bone gap values of the patients were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Thirty-three percent of the patients met the successful hearing criteria (air-bone gap <20 dB). However, 47% had an air-bone gap closure between 20 dB and 30 dB, whereas 20% had a gap of more than 30 dB. CONCLUSION: Single-stage surgery does not result in a satisfactory hearing improvement in most of the patients with tympanosclerosis. Only one third of the patients, most of whom had a mobile stapes, had satisfactory hearing results. Mobilization of a fixed stapes is not an effective option for hearing restoration in tympanosclerosis. Second-stage surgery for stapedectomy and placement of a prosthesis-like piston or total ossicular replacement prosthesis should be considered to obtain better hearing results in tympanosclerosis.     

鼓室硬化症手术疗效分析

目的 介绍鼓室硬化症的手术方法,探讨不同手术方法 与疗效的关系.方法 回顾性分析481耳鼓室硬化症患者的临床资料.481耳均按硬化灶部位的不同清除病灶并进行听骨链重建术.出院1～3个月后复查1次,以后6个月～1年随访1次,以最后1次为随访结果 （取0.5、1.0、2.0、4.0 kHz语言频率均数）.结果 481耳手术...     

鼓室硬化类型与手术疗效(附40例临床分析)

目的 探讨硬化灶累及中耳部位与术前听力损失类型的关系、不同手术方式治疗鼓室硬化症的效果。方法 回顾性分析40例鼓室硬化患者术前资料,术中病灶记录,评估术后听力改善水平。结果 传导性耳聋的病例中最常见病灶侵及上鼓室、锤砧关节周围,而混合性耳聋的病例中病灶累及鼓岬的概率明显高于传导性耳聋的病例。术后气骨导间距小于20dB 18耳,成功率40%,Ⅰ型鼓室硬化症术后听力改善最显著(P＜0.05)。结论 听力损失的性质与硬化灶的范围及累及中耳的部位直接相关。手术处理是治疗鼓室硬化症的主要手段,手术方式则根据病变累及的范围和程度决定。     

Tympanosclerosis of the middle ear: late results of surgical treatment

The late results of one stage operation for middle ear tymanosclerosis in 73 patients during the period January 1965 to December 1980 are presented. Mean observation time was 11.2 years (range 3-20.2 years), with a follow-up rate 86 per cent. Among 64 patients with stapes fixation, 59 had removal of tympanosclerotic masses and stapes mobilization, and five cases underwent stapedectomy. The series was divided into six groups and the results analyzed. The best and most stable results occurred in the group with stapes mobilization and an intact ossicular chain followed by the group with stapes mobilization and Type II tympanoplasty with incus interposition. The poorest late results were obtained in ears with lacking stapes crura and stapes mobilization, and in ears subjected to stapedectomy. No case of post-operative sensorineural hearing loss occurred. We recommend that care is taken to preserve an intact ossicular chain at stapes mobilization performed at the same stage as myringoplasty. Also in ears with a defective ossicular chain but intact stapes with tympanosclerotic fixation we recommend stapes mobilization in one stage. In ears with fixation of the stapes footplate and defective crura, we recommend stapedectomy or stapedotomy in two stages.     

Stapedectomy in the Pediatric Patient

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the results of stapedectomy in pediatric patients with otosclerosis and tympanosclerosis. A retrospective review of 14 patients (15 ears) who underwent stapedectomy from 1993 to 1995 was conducted. In 5 ears stapedectomy for tympanosclerosis was performed; 9 patients had otosclerosis and 1 had Treacher Collins syndrome. Patients were evaluated for preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps, preoperative and postoperative speech reception thresholds, postoperative air conduction hearing improvement, and preoperative and postoperative speech discrimination. Children with otosclerosis who underwent stapedectomies had an average postoperative airbone gap of 16 dB with an average air conduction hearing improvement of 17.6 dB. Children with tympanosclerosis who underwent stapedectomies had an average air-bone gap of 14 dB with an average air conduction hearing improvement of 28 dB. Stapedectomy is a safe and effective treatment for otosclerosis and tympanosclerosis in pediatric patients.     

Local antibiotic administration decreases risk of inner ear damage in effodation

BACKGROUND: Mobilising the stapes via the removal of the tympanosclerotic plaques from the oval window niche (effodation) and stapedectomy or malleovestibulopexy are the different procedures generally available for the surgical therapy of stapes fixation due to tympanosclerosis. These techniques bear a significant risk of sensory hearing loss. Here we analyse our results using the mobilisation technique together with locally applied antibiotics. PATIENTS: Nineteen ears in seventeen patients with tympanosclerosis involving the stapes and its footplate which underwent stapes mobilisation between 1991 and 1999 have been investigated retrospectively. According to the literature this operation has a high risk of cochlear hearing loss. To reduce this risk, azlocillin was instilled locally during removal of tympanosclerotic plaques. RESULTS: Different operation techniques have been used: classic type III with placement of a cartilage disc on the head of the stapes (4), interposition of the incus (3), interposition of the head of malleus (1), interposition of a ceramic-PORP (6) and cartilage columella in cases of significant stapes footplate erosion (3). In two operations the chain was intact and no reconstruction was necessary. Pure-tone-audiometry showed no significant decrease of bone-conduction thresholds. Preoperatively 4 (21.1%) ears had an average air-bone-gap < or = 30 dB, while postoperatively 15 (78.9%) ears had this level of hearing. CONCLUSIONS: Until the exact causes of the loss of hearing after mobilisation or stapedectomy in cases of tympanosclerosis are known, the local administration of antibiotics is certainly recommended, bearing in mind the initial hypothesis that infection may be jointly responsible for cochlear hearing loss on mobilisation or stapedectomy in cases of tympanosclerosis.     

Stapedectomy in tympanosclerosis. A report of 67 cases

Stapedectomy was performed in sixty-seven ears with tympanosclerotic footplate fixation. This was confined to the footplate in 90% of ears, and there was an association with cholesteatoma and chronic infection. Large fenestra stapedectomy was performed in 91% of cases and the surgical procedure performed was tympanoplasty in 91% of cases. Three cases (4.5%) suffered a dead ear by three years following the procedure, but only one immediately. A variety of surgical procedures were used to reconstruct the tympanic membrane to oval window connection, and the air-bone gap did not depend on the choice of prosthesis in the short term. Retention of the incus led to later increasing air-bone gap, probably due to refixation by tympanosclerosis. Long-term results are analyzed for each method of reconstruction and each category of ossicular status identified at surgery. Small fenestra procedures produced less cochlear hearing loss at high frequencies. Surgical technique is discussed with reference to the pathophysiology of tympanosclerosis, and the role of hearing aids is considered.     

锤骨-前庭桥接术在镫骨外科中的应用(附6例报告)

目的:探讨锤骨-前庭桥接技术在治疗并发锤砧传声功能障碍的以耳硬化为主体的镫骨病变患者中的可行性、安全性及有效性。方法:对2005年3月~2007年3月78例镫骨手术中采用锤骨-前庭桥接技术的锤镫手术6例进行回顾性分析,就手术步骤、术中发现及术后眩晕加以讨论,并比较手术前后的纯音测听结果。结果:6例均存在镫骨底板固定,其中2例并发可能炎症参与的锤砧、砧镫关节变形、僵硬、固定,1例并发锤砧关节周围局灶性鼓室硬化,另2例并发锤骨前上韧带固定,最后1例为手术操作意外导致锤砧关节脱位。6例术后均无明显眩晕,0.5、1.0、2.0及4.0 kHz频率范围的平均气骨导差均<10 dB,未发现4.0 kHz切迹。随访3个月~2年。结论:以锤骨-前庭桥接技术为基础的锤镫手术对于不同原因所致的并发锤砧传声功能障碍的耳硬化是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。     

鼓室硬化的手术疗效观察

目的:观察鼓室硬化手术采用综合技术的疗效。方法:回顾性分析151例(167耳)鼓室硬化(不含单纯鼓膜钙化)患者的临床资料。167耳均清除病灶并按需采用综合技术:①探孔开放上鼓室、乳突腔等;②自体骨片盾板修复,或碎骨填塞乳突腔;③听骨处理分为保持听骨链完整和听骨链重建;④可吸收膜片(透明质酸或聚二氧杂环乙酮)防再粘连;⑤鼓索神经弹压听骨;⑥铒-YAG激光或小凿清除面神经管骨质增生。术后1个月内测听力,出院3个月后复查1次,以后6个月~1年随访1次,以最后1次为随访结果(取0.5、1.0、2.0 kHz HL语频均数)。结果:167耳术前、术后气骨导差(ABG)分别为(39.74±12.54)dB和(20.68±11.80)dB,P<0.01。成功71耳(42.5%),有效48耳(28.7%),总有效率为71.3%(119耳)。167耳随访3~60个月,平均(11.01±10.24)个月,随访的ABG为(20.67±13.52)dB,与术前比较,P<0.01;与术后比较,P>0.05。随访12个月以上者96耳,ABG为(21.94±11.16)dB,与167耳随访结果比较,P>0.05。结论:应用综合技术能促进术后听力改善,并维持远期疗效。三骨全固定仍是治疗难点,对镫骨切除术应慎重对待。     

Analysis of long-term hearing after tympanosclerosis with total/partial stapedectomy and prosthesis used

Conclusion. Long-term hearing gain results are good after prosthetic reconstruction of the stapes in the tympanosclerotic ear. The type of stapedectomy, whether partial or total, does not affect the result of the surgery very much. Objectives. Comparative evaluation of the hearing results of total/partial stapedectomy technique and the prosthesis used within a 10-year follow-up period after stapedectomy in cases with dense tympanosclerosis and completely fixed stapes. Patients and methods. Twenty-five cases with completely fixed stapes due to generalized tympanosclerosis were included in this retrospective study between 1995 and 2005. Two-stage canal wall up procedure was planned for all cases, and stapedectomy was performed at the second stage. After the second stage, 25 ears in the sixth month, 18 ears in the first year, 14 ears in the second year, and 7 ears in the tenth year were available for follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative air–bone gap values of the patients and their hearing gain were compared. Total stapedectomy was carried out in 17 of the patients and partial stapedectomy in 8 of them. For ossiculoplasty, a plastipore total ossicular replacement prosthesis was used in 17 patients, homograft ossicle in 2 patients, and Teflon piston in 6 patients. Results. In 17 cases in which we used total stapedectomy, the average preoperative air–bone gap value improved from 40.23 to 18.47 in the sixth month, and from 38.4 dB to 9.6 dB in the tenth year. In eight cases in which we used partial stapedectomy, the average preoperative air–bone gap improved from 38.63 dB to 24.38 dB and from 35 dB to 17 dB, respectively. The average postoperative hearing gain with total stapedectomy was 21.76 dB in the sixth month and 28.8 dB in the tenth year. Hearing gain with partial stapedectomy was successively 14.25 dB and 18 dB. When we compared the results of total prosthesis and Teflon pistons among the materials used in ossiculoplasty, although hearing gain with total prostheses was better, the results were not statistically significant.     

上鼓室胆脂瘤的临床治疗分析

目的分析胆脂瘤型中耳炎局限于上鼓室的临床表现与治疗方法。方法对186例(186耳)局限性上鼓室胆脂瘤型中耳炎行上鼓室开放术,据胆脂瘤侵蚀范围和听骨链受累情况分别进行处理。胆脂瘤未累及锤、砧关节,单纯去除胆脂瘤,保留听骨链完整性共89例。胆脂瘤侵蚀锤、砧关节共97例,清除胆脂瘤后,还要切除病变的锤骨头或砧骨,用人工听小骨架桥于锤骨柄与镫骨头之间重建听骨链。97例患者均用乳突皮质骨重建上鼓室外侧壁,颞筋膜修复鼓膜松弛部穿孔。结果 186例患者随诊1～3年,所有病例上鼓室外侧壁及鼓膜松弛部愈合良好。术后气骨导差<10 dB者32例,<20 dB者108例,<30 dB者39例,30 dB以上5例。该组病例声音传导功能基本保留或恢复,术后随访听力基本稳定,无胆脂瘤复发。结论上鼓室胆脂瘤在早期治疗的同时,据听骨链的受损情况进行听骨链重建手术,既可彻底清除病灶,又能保留和恢复听觉功能。     

CO2激光镫骨部分切除术

For the efficacy and safety of partial stapedectomy, Co2 laser was used in 44 patients with otosclerosis. Postoperative follow-up (3-12 months) demonstrated that the average hearing gain was 31.7 +/- 8.2 dB, and air-bone conduction gap was within 11.2 +/- 6.6 dB. There was no significant hearing change at 4.000 Hz. The advantages of CO2 laser technique are summarized as follows: convenience for cutting posterior crus, less time needed for penetration of thick footplate or removal of occlusive sclerotic plaque in oval window niche, avoidance of footplate floating, rapid coagulation of residual stapedial artery and absence of instrumentation difficulties in narrow spaces. Our results indicate that CO2 laser provides essential benefits in stapedectomy for otosclerosis.     

Congenital conductive hearing loss

Congenital conductive hearing loss due to ossicular deformities can be treated by either rehabilitation with a hearing aid or surgical reconstruction. We present the results of exploratory tympanotomy performed in a large paediatric otolaryngology centre in 67 patients with non-serous congenital conductive hearing loss. Forty-two children had malformation of one or more ossicles without fixation of the stapes, and 19 had fixed stapes. In 26 cases, the surgeon decided not to perform surgical correction. Seven operated patients were lost to follow-up. As a group, 47 per cent of the patients who underwent reconstruction showed no significant benefit from surgery, with post-operative air-bone gaps (ABG) greater than 30 dB. Assessment of the results by pathology showed that 64 per cent of the patients with mobile stapes had an air-bone gap within 30 dB compared to only 33 per cent of the patients with fixed stapes. One patient sustained severe sensorineural loss after the procedure. Considering that exploratory tympanotomy is a relatively minimal, benign procedure but that findings during exploration may exclude the option of reconstruction (in 39 per cent of our patients), we suggest exploring the ear, but in a more realistic, informed way.     

Congenital auditory ossicle malformation without external ear abnormality]

In 29 ears of 24 patients with auditory ossicle malformation, but without external ear abnormalities, who were operated on at our clinic in the 10 years between June 1993 and June 2002, we studied the condition of ossicles, preoperative examination, surgical procedures, and postoperative hearing improvement. Our study did not include patients with cholesteatoma or those with only fixed stapes but without ossicular deformity. Samples were 12 ears of 11 men and 17 ears of 13 women. We clinically distinguished 3 major categories: (i) discontinuity between the incus and stapes with mobile stapes, (ii) congenital fixation of the stapes with ossicular deformity, and (iii) congenital fixation of the malleus and deformity of the incus with mobile stapes. We classified each category into minor abnormalities based on the condition of the long process of the incus, the superstructure of the stapes, and the stapes footplate. We conducted auditory ossicle reconstruction by mobilization of the malleus and incus in 2 ears, by type III tympanoplasty in 5 ears, by type IV tympanoplasty in 13 ears, and by stapes surgery in 8 ears. Improvement in hearing after the operation was observed in 25 of the 29 ears treated. In the classification of the auditory ossicle malformation without external ear abnormalities, we should evaluate discontinuity or fixation of the ossicles and their deformity. This requires that varied ossicular reconstruction be prepared for surgery, but the possibility of hearing improvement is high, so intensive treatment is needed in many cases of auditory ossicle malformation.     

Short- and long-term results of stapedotomy and stapedectomy with a teflon-wire piston prosthesis

We analyzed the results of 604 cases of primary stapes surgery performed between 1974 and 1997 with replacement of the stapes by a 0.6- or 0.8-mm Schuknecht Teflon-wire piston. At long-term follow-up (1 to 21 years; mean, 7 years), the residual air-bone gap was 10 dB or less in 79% of the cases. The hearing results and postoperative complications were comparable to those reported by authors who used the same evaluation criteria. Although the aim of the surgery was to perform a small stapedotomy with a narrow footplate perforation (0.8 mm), a large stapedotomy or a stapedectomy was performed in 134 cases (22.2%) because of surgical or anatomic conditions. Our results show that the larger footplate perforations allowed a better correction of the air-bone gap at the lower frequencies. The ears with larger perforations did not show a higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss.     

Surgical treatment of 52 cases of auditory ossicular malformations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between hearing improvements and the pathological conditions of auditory ossicular malformations. METHODS: Fifty-two ears (49 patients) with auditory ossicular malformations without congenital aural atresia were studied. The classification of the pathological conditions was based on surgical findings. Group 1 showed defects in the incudo-stapedial (I-S) joint, Group 2, fixation of the stapes, Group 3, fixation of the malleus and incus and Group 4, defects in the I-S joint with fixation of the stapes. Hearing improvements at the final examination were designated as successful when both of the following were satisfied. (1) Air-bone gap was reduced to 20 dB or less. (2) Postoperative hearing gain exceeded 15 dB. RESULTS: Successful hearing improvements after operations were achieved in 20 ears (95%) in Group 1, 21 ears (91%) in Group 2, three ears (75%) in Group 3 and two ears (50%) in Group 4. They were observed in 88% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative hearing improvements of auditory ossicular malformations yielded good results, particularly in Groups 1 and 2. In retrospect, the unsuccessful cases with fixation of the stapes would have been improved if stapedectomy were chosen rather than mobilization. In defects to the long process of Group 4, we wished to perform a reconstruction using the malleus attachment piston after small-fenestra stapedectomy with regard to the long-term hearing results.