STAPEDECTOMY

Stapedectomy is used when the main cause of hearing loss problem is due to the decreased movement of the bone stapes (otosclerosis). Stapes is a bone in the middle ear. In otosclerosis condition, tissue around the small bone called stapes is hardened, resulting in impairment of the hearing ability.

Throughout our life, all the bones of the middle ear ie. The stapes, the incus and the malleus are continually reabsorbed and reformed. In Otosclerosis, this process is disturbed resulting in abnormalities in the ear. The most usual problem is fusion of the small bone stapes that connects the eardrum to the inner ear. This results in hearing loss.

A surgery is performed to remove the tissue around the stapes from the middle ear and this is referred to as Stapedectomy. The stapes is replaced with a man-made stapes called prosthesis.

The Stapedectomy Procedure

Stapedectomy is an inpatient surgery, usually performed under general anaesthesia. Most patients stay in the hospital overnight post-surgery. The surgery usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

• A small opening is made in the ear canal. A portion of the skin of the ear canal and the eardrum are then elevated to allow access to the middle ear. A small amount of bone needs to be gently removed to allow a good view of the stapes.
• The affected stapes is then partially removed and replaced with a prosthetic stapes thereby re-establishing sound wave transmission to the inner ear.
• The eardrum is then returned to its normal position, the ear canal is packed and the incision is sutured. A dressing and head bandage are then applied at the surgery site.

Risks Associated With Stapedectomy

Success rates with Stapedectomy are high, however there is a small risk associated with the surgery.

• Around 1% of people who undergo the surgery experience complete hearing loss in the operated ear. In such cases, hearing aids will not help and the only way to restore some hearing in the affected ear is a cochlear implant. This is very rare.
• Infection or bleeding.
• The eardrum may be damaged and have a hole or tear and requires further surgery to fix it.
• Nausea and dizziness is common and expected post-surgery and is usually short lived.
• Temporary change in taste is observed. A nerve related to taste runs under the ear drum and sometimes it has to be moved out of the way during surgery. This results in loss of taste, or change in taste on the side of the tongue which is usually temporary.
• Tinnitus usually improves with hearing improvement after surgery, but in rare cases can occur or worsen.
• Facial nerve paralysis is extremely rare.
• Some patients may develop a recurrence of hearing loss and need to undergo repeated surgery in the future. This probably happens in 5% of patients over their lifetime.

Post-Operative Care:

After surgery, the patient stays in the hospital for a few hours to prevent nausea and vomiting. The patient is made to walk and if there is no significant dizziness or nausea, the patient can be discharged home. Pain medications are prescribed for three to four days post surgery.

The patient's activity is restricted for the first week, and then a gradual return to activity can occur after a week?s time.

• Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy exercises, blowing the nose, bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for about 2 to 4 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay.
• The packing is removed in the office one week after surgery and the hearing gradually returns over a month.
• Avoid flying in an aeroplane.
• Avoid swimming, playing for at least 4 weeks.
• Avoid contact of the ear with water for 2-3 weeks.

Why BSR Hospital?

BSR ENT hospital is one of the renowned hospitals in Secunderabad and Hyderabad with high success rates of surgeries since 40+ years. At BSR, we aim to improve the patient's quality of life by restoring the functions of ear nose and throat. BSR hospitals are equipped with latest technologies and expert group of physicians experienced in addressing ENT disorders.

The latest technologies and the equipment further support the vision of BSR to provide the best in class treatment facilities to patients. We, at BSR believe in patient-centric treatment and ensure that every patient receives the quality treatment at affordable price.