Stapedotomy

What are the middle ear ossicles?

It is a chain of tiny 3 bones (malleus, incus, and stapes). They are also referred to as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. They help in transmitting the sound from eardrum to inner ear.

What is Otosclerosis? 

It is a condition where one of the ossicles becomes stiff i.e., the stapes loses its normal mobility, which will affect the transmission of sound leading to reduced hearing.

What is Stapedotomy?

A procedure to remove a part (stapedotomy) or whole of the stapes (stapedectomy) and replace it with a synthetic prosthesis to help in hearing.

Why does my doctor recommend Stapedectomy? 

Your doctor will discuss it with you in detail in the clinic and may offer the procedure in case of reduced hearing with evidence of otosclerosis.

How is the Stapedotomy procedure done?

It can be done under local or general anesthesia through the ear canal or a small cut in front of the ear. The procedure normally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. There is maybe a possible use of laser. The patient can go home either on the same or next day.

Possible Complications:

Bleeding, Pain, Infection, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Facial weakness (less than 1%), Taste disturbance, Injury to the eardrum, Inner ear infection, Dead ear (less than 1%)

What to expect after your surgery?

• Eat and drink normally 
• You may have a bandage/dressing around your ear, which the doctor may remove after 24hours
  
  
  
• You might feel dizziness, nausea, and vomiting in the first 24-48hours. The dizziness may persist for few days
• You will have a pack inside your ear, which is normally removed in clinic 3 weeks after the surgery
  
  
• You may notice fullness and fluid sensation in the ear 
• The hearing will be difficult in the operated ear, till the pack removed by your surgeon 
• Written card with your appointments will be given before you go home.

Home Advice:

• Avoid water going to the operated ear (block the operated ear with a cotton piece soaked in oil or Vaseline)
• Avoid direct trauma to the operated ear 
• When sneezing or coughing, keep the mouth open
• Avoid any exposure to allergens/strong smells or dust etc (that may cause you to sneeze) 
• Avoid lifting heavy weights and heavy exercise for a duration of at least 6 weeks
• Avoid straining (in case of recurrent sneezing, cough or constipation, visit your primary health center for medication)
• Avoid air travel for at least 4-6 weeks from date of surgery
• You can drive normally unless you feel dizzy and unsteady 
• Take medications as directed

When to visit Emergency: (Hamad General Hospital)

• Active bleeding from the operation site 
• Sever dizziness with or without vomiting
• Facial asymmetry 
• Persistence clear discharge from ear