Reversal of the steps stapedotomy technique with early removal of the posterior crus: early postoperative results: how we do it

Audiometric and Vestibular Function after Classic and Reverse Stapedotomy

Background and Objectives: Besides classical stapedotomy, reverse stapedotomy has been used for many years in the management of otosclerosis. Our study aims to investigate whether reversing the surgical steps in stapedotomy impacts vestibular function and hearing improvement. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 123 patients underwent either classic or reverse stapedotomy procedures utilizing a fiber-optic argon laser. Audiological assessments, following the guidelines of the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium, were conducted, including pure tone average, air-bone (AB) gap, overclosure, and AB gap closure. Vestibular evaluation involved pre- and postoperative comparison of rotatory test parameters, including frequency, amplitude, and slow phase velocity of nystagmus. Results: The study demonstrated an overall median overclosure of 3.3 (3.3, 5.0) dB and a mean AB gap closure of 20.3 ± 8.8 dB. Postoperative median AB gap was 7.5 (7.5, 11.3) dB in the reverse stapedotomy group and 10.0 (10.0, 12.5) dB in the classic stapedotomy group. While overclosure and AB gap closure were marginally superior in the reverse stapedotomy group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. No significant disparities were observed in the frequency, slow phase velocity, or amplitude of nystagmus in the rotational test. Conclusions: Although not always possible, reverse stapedotomy proved to be a safe surgical technique regarding postoperative outcomes. Its adoption may mitigate risks associated with floating footplate, sensorineural hearing loss, and incus luxation/subluxation, while facilitating the learning curve for less experienced ear surgeons.

Endoscopic stapedotomy: classic versus reversal technique

OBJECTIVES

To compare hearing outcome and surgical complications between endoscopic classic and reversal stapedotomies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective single blinded randomized clinical study carried out on 60 patients with otosclerosis who were randomized into two groups; each containing 30 patients. Patients in group 1 underwent endoscopic classic stapedotomy. Patients in group 2 underwent endoscopic reversal stapedotomy. Both groups were compared as regards hearing outcome and surgical complications.

RESULTS

The difference in the hearing outcome between the two groups was statistically non-significant. Post-operative closure of the air bone gap (ABG) within 10 dB was attained in 76.67% and 80% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The differences in the surgical complications between the two studied groups were statistically non-significant.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic classic and reversal stapedotomies are comparable to each other as regards hearing outcome and surgical complications. The authors recommend further studies with relatively larger sample size.

Analysis of forces during robot-assisted and manual manipulations of mobile and fixed footplate in temporal bone specimens

PURPOSE

To evaluate the forces involved in different manipulations, manual or robot-assisted, applied to the ossicular chain, on normal temporal bones and on an anatomical model of otosclerosis.

METHODS

Thirteen cadaveric temporal bones, with mobile footplates or with footplates that were fixed using hydroxyapatite cement, were manipulated, manually or using a robotic arm (RobOtol®). "Short contact" of a mobile footplate was the weakest interaction on the incus. "Long contact" was the same manipulation held for 10 s. "Mobilization" was the smallest visualized movement of the mobile footplate, or the movement necessary to regain mobility of the fixed footplate. A six-axis force sensor (Nano17, ATI) measured the maximal peak of forces, summation of forces applied, and yank.

RESULTS

Maximal forces during short (~4 mN) and long contact (~15 mN) were similar for manual and robot-assisted manipulations. For manual manipulation, yank measured during long contact was twice as high compared to robot-assisted manipulation: 6 ± 2.4 (n = 5) and 3 ± 1.3 mN/s (n = 5), respectively (mean ± SD, p < 0.02). For mobilization of the mobile footplate, maximal forces during mobilization were similar during manual and robot-assisted manipulations, respectively: 12 ± 2.5 (n = 6) and 19 ± 7.6 mN (n = 7). Compared with mobilization of a mobile footplate, mobilization of a fixed footplate required ~ 60 and ~ 27 times higher maximal forces for manual and robot-assisted manipulations, respectively: 724 ± 366.4 and 507 ± 283.2 mN. Yank was twice as high during manual manipulation compared to robot-assisted manipulation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted manipulation of the ossicular chain was reliable. Our anatomical model of otosclerosis was successfully developed requiring higher forces for stapes mobilization.

A Review of Surgical Nuances and Outcomes of the Reverse Stapedotomy

The stapes surgery has evolved through different eras of technical and technological development. The current standard of care is creating a stapedotomy with piston placement, and both these aspects have multiple variations and show well-established technological advances. The conventional technique has been fairly standardized,and it offers gratifying results to both the surgeon and the patient. To overcome certain procedural risks and potential complications, the reversal of steps technique was developed and streamlined by Ugo Fisch in the early 1980s. Since its beginning, the technique has been adopted by various centers, and surgical outcomes have been demonstrated to be at par with the conventional technique, with a reduced risk of complications. The aim of the present review is to detail the various surgical nuances and outcomes of this particular technique in a comprehensive narrative manner.

Reporting in stapes surgery: are we following the guidelines?

Objective

This paper highlights the importance of reporting air–bone gap closure in stapes surgery according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery guidelines and reviews compliance in recent years.

Methods

A retrospective case series was conducted and the outcomes were reviewed. Closure of the air–bone gap was calculated in 204 adult patients using the aforementioned guidelines. Results were recalculated ignoring the Carhart phenomenon to determine any significant difference. Adherence to guidelines was also reported as a secondary outcome.

Results

Ignoring the Carhart phenomenon resulted in 75 per cent over-reporting of successful air–bone gap closure (p&lt; 0.001). Over-reporting occurred in 5.9 per cent of papers, and in 11.8 per cent it was difficult to determine how the results were reached.

Conclusion

Despite the existence of clear guidelines, stapes surgery outcomes are still being over-reported as successful. This can lead to incorrect information being provided to patients during the consent process and makes comparative studies difficult.

Behavioral Disturbance Causing Sudden Respiratory Distress in a 3-Year-Old After Tracheocutaneous Fistula Closure: A Case Report

A 3-year-old boy underwent tracheostomy at age 5 months for respiratory failure. The tracheostomy tube was removed a year later but a tracheocutaneous fistula developed requiring fistulectomy and primary skin closure. After an initial uneventful course in the postanesthesia care unit, the patient became agitated, began to scream, and suddenly developed rapidly progressing subcutaneous emphysema over his chest, face, and abdomen. Orotracheal intubation was emergently performed and chest radiograph revealed pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. The child was taken to the operating room for placement of a tracheostomy tube.