An endoscopic approach to stapes surgery needs less external auditory canal wall removal than a microscopic approach

BackgroundAlthough many advantages of endoscopic stapes surgery have been reported, there is little objective data on whether it provides better visualization than the microscopic approach.ObjectivesTo evaluate and compare audiological results, external auditory canal wall removal area, and adverse event rates between endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery.Material and methodsData from patients who received stapedotomy were collected. Pre and postoperative audiometry, procedure-related parameters, and adverse events were analyzed in conventional microscopic and endoscopic groups.ResultsThere were no differences in procedure time or postoperative hearing between the endoscopic and microscopic surgery groups. The mean procedure times were 87.3 +/- 18.9 min in the endoscopic group and 79.9 +/- 23.5 min in the microscopic group. The mean postoperative air-bone gaps were 10.9 +/- 8.3 dB in the endoscopic group and 10.5 +/- 7.8 dB in the microscopic group. There were no differences in the rate of sensorineural hearing loss, postoperative pain, facial palsy, vertigo, or dysgeusia between the two groups. The bony removal area of the posterosuperior external auditory canal wall measured by two observers was significantly less in the endoscopic group than in the microscopic group.ConclusionsEndoscopic stapedotomy needed less external auditory canal wall removal and showed similar audiological outcomes to microscopic stapedotomy.