A novel laser-assisted stapedotomy technique for congenital stapes fixation

Objective: To investigate whether a novel laser-assisted stapedotomy technique is effective in treating congenital stapes fixation. Methods: With this surgical method, the suprastructure of the stapes is vaporized continuously from the superior half of the anterior crus to the inferior part of the posterior crus using a potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser. The midmost point of the vaporization is the head of the stapes. This method was used to treat three patients with congenital stapes fixation (total of four ears). Results: The average hearing gain using this method was 32.2dB, which lasted for at least 1 year. No complications were observed. Conclusions: This novel laser-assisted stapedotomy technique is an excellent method for the treatment of congenital stapes fixation.