Stapedectomy

What Is a Stapedectomy?

A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure to replace the stapes bone of the middle ear with a prosthesis.  This procedure treats progressive hearing loss caused by the hardening of the spongy bone at the base of the stapes—a condition that results in inadequate vibration of the stapes for the transmission of sound.   

Patients with a cold or sore throat should postpone the stapedectomy until they have recovered in order to minimize the risk of infection in the ear.  Options for anesthesia include a general or local anesthetic with a sedative prior to surgery.  The surgeon opens the ear canal and folds the eardrum out of the way.  Separating the stapes from the incus, the surgeon cuts the tendon and arch of the stapes using a laser or small drill and removes the bone from the middle ear.  Next, with the laser, the surgeon opens the window joining the middle ear to the inner ear and clips the prosthesis to the incus.  With a tissue graft from a small incision behind the earlobe, the surgeon seals the tiny hole in the window.  Finally, the surgeon unfolds the eardrum and repairs it, using absorbable packing ointment or a gelatin sponge to hold it in place.   

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