Laser stapedotomy for otosclerosis

Abstract

The argon laser microscope recently developed by the author is used to vaporize the stapes tendon, the posterior crus and a rosette of holes in the stapes footplate in the sur­gical treatment of otosclerosis. An autogenous vein—stainless steel piston assembly is used to reconstruct the stapes portion of the ossicular chain. The surgical technique and results in a preliminary series of_ 11 patients are reported. Rationale and advantages over conventional stapedectomy are discussed. © The American Laryngological, Rhinological & Otological Society, Inc.