Everything About Stapedotomy Surgery
If you’ve been diagnosed with otosclerosis and are facing hearing difficulties, your doctor may recommend a Stapedectomy/ Stapedotomy Surgery.
Otosclerosis, characterized by limited bone growth in one or both ears, has the potential to lead to progressive hearing loss as the growth expands. To address this, a stapedectomy can be a transformative solution.
In this blog, we’ll explore the details of stapedectomy surgery, offering hope for those dealing with the challenges of otosclerosis.
What is a Stapedotomy?
Stapedotomy is an ear surgery involving replacing the middle ear’s innermost bone (stapes) with a Prosthesis Piston.
This treatment is used to help otosclerotic individuals with increasing hearing loss. This condition occurs when the stape fuses with surrounding bone tissue, resulting in the loss of flexibility and movement required to transmit sound waves from the middle ear to the inner ear.
Who is a Candidate for Stapedotomy Surgery?
Individuals meeting the following criteria are considered suitable candidates for stapedotomy:
- Progressive Conductive Hearing loss with the presence of an air-bone gap of at least 25-30 dB
- Overall good health to tolerate anesthesia
- Having otosclerosis
What Happens Before a Stapedotomy Surgery?
Before undergoing surgery, your doctor evaluates your hearing loss. Some steps your ENT specialist may take include:
- Medical History: Your provider will inquire about your hearing issues, tinnitus, vertigo, and any family history of otosclerosis.
- Physical Examination: A comprehensive examination of your ears, including checking for infections and examining the ear canals and eardrum.
- Audiometry: This test evaluates your ability to hear various tones, presenting results in an audiogram.
- Tuning Fork Test: Use a tuning fork to compare your bone and air conduction of sound by placing it on your mastoid bone and then near your ear.
- Tympanometry and reflexes: Checking your eardrum with a handheld device to assess its mobility, displaying results in a tympanogram and to check for Acoustic reflexes.
- CT Scan: A CT scan provides detailed imaging of the middle ear cavity and ossicles ruling out any other possible cause of hearing loss .
These evaluations help determine the extent of hearing loss, the presence of otosclerosis, and whether a stapedotomy is an appropriate intervention.
What Happens During a Stapedotomy Surgery?
Here’s an overview of the steps your ENT doctor might take during a stapedectomy:
- Anesthesia is administered to ensure you are pain-free during the surgery. Stapedectomy can be performed using either local or general anesthesia.
- Your healthcare provider may use a Microscope or an Endoscope to access your eardrum and ossicles. Sometimes, a small incision may be made behind or in front of your ear to reach the eardrum.
- The surgeon lifts your eardrum carefully to gain access to the middle ear bones.
- The stapes bone is then delicately removed, and an artificial piston is inserted to replace it.
- The surgeon then returns your eardrum to its normal position and holds it in place with packing material for recovery.
- Dr. Mustafa Kapadia is specialized in Endoscopic Stapedotomy and avoids any incision/ scar to do the surgery.
How Does Stapedotomy Recovery Look Like?
- You’ll spend several hours in the hospital bed to prevent nausea. You may be discharged once you can walk without significant nausea or dizziness.
- Expect a mild headache, ear pain, dizziness in the first few days, and a “stuffy” feeling in the ear.
- Hearing improvement may vary—some notice immediate changes, while others see gradual improvements over weeks.
- During initial recovery, avoid water in your ears, noisy places, swimming, flying, contact sports, and scuba diving.
- Resume a normal diet immediately. Choose low-fat, bland foods if you experience an upset stomach. Stay hydrated and take medications as directed by your physician.
What are the Risks of Getting a Stapedotomy?
While stapedotomy is generally a safe procedure, similar to any surgery, it carries potential risks:
- Dizziness and nausea
- Temporary taste change
- Worsening of hearing loss
- Ringing / Tinnitus
- Ear Infection
- Tear or hole in the eardrum
Experiencing Hearing Issues? Consult Dr. Mustafa Kapadia
For those facing hearing loss, consider stapedotomy surgery, a transformative solution.
Dr. Mustafa Kapadia, an ENT specialist renowned for expertise in otosclerosis and stapedectomy procedures, can guide you through the process. The first step to improved hearing begins with a thorough evaluation and consultation.
Don’t let hearing loss affect your quality of life. Take the first step toward clearer sound by consulting with Dr. Mustafa Kapadia.
