Stapedoplasty
Stapedoplasty is a microsurgical procedure aimed at restoring hearing in patients with otosclerosis — a condition in which the stapes (one of the auditory ossicles) becomes fixed and loses its ability to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. The operation involves replacing the immobile stapes with a microprosthesis, which significantly improves sound conduction.
When is stapedoplasty indicated?
- Diagnosed otosclerosis associated with progressive hearing loss.
- Deterioration of speech perception and environmental sound recognition.
- Persistent tinnitus accompanying hearing impairment.
- Ineffectiveness of hearing aids and the need for surgical intervention.
How is the procedure performed?
- Hearing assessment – pure-tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, and CT scan of the temporal bone.
- Anesthesia – the operation is performed under local or general anesthesia.
- Removal of the stapes – the surgeon makes a small incision through the ear canal and removes the immobilized stapes.
- Prosthesis implantation – a titanium, fluoroplastic (Teflon), or other microprosthesis is placed to restore ossicular continuity.
- Closure and postoperative monitoring – the patient remains under observation for 1–2 days.
Results of stapedoplasty
- Hearing improvement achieved in approximately 80–90% of cases.
- Minimally invasive technique with rapid postoperative recovery.
- Elimination of the need for a hearing aid after a successful procedure.
- Stable long-term outcome in the absence of complications.
Recovery after surgery
- Restriction of physical activity during the first weeks after surgery.
- Avoidance of pressure changes (air travel, diving).
- Follow-up hearing evaluation with audiometry 1–3 months postoperatively.
- Protection of the operated ear from water and infection.
Advantages of stapedoplasty in Belarus
In Belarus, stapedoplasty is performed in modern clinics equipped with high-precision surgical microscopes and microsurgical instruments, ensuring safe hearing restoration with minimal risks.
This text has been translated using machine translation technology (DeepL API) and may contain inaccuracies.
