[Long-term results of small fenestra stapedectomy compared with large fenestra technique].

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative long-term hearing results of small fenestra stapedectomy versus large fenestra techniques.

Methods: A retrospective review of 102 ears of 94 patients who had stapedectomy (small fenestra technique) performed by the same surgeon between 1972-1990 was conducted. Patients undergoing stapedectomy and stapedotomy were followed for 6.4 +/- 2.2 and 6.6 +/- 3.0 month in initial postoperative and 14.5 +/- 3.0 and 7.4 +/- 2.2 years in late postoperative, respectively.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in initial or late postoperative pure-tone (PTA), PTA air-bone gap, speech reception threshold (SRT) between the two groups. Ears treated by stapedotomy showed statistically better initial postoperative air-conduction threshold and initial 4-KHz air-bone gap closure, but the gap difference was not significant with late follow-up. The successful outcomes in both groups were stable over long-term follow-up. Results were the same when comparing the two procedures in the patients having undergone both.

Conclusions: These results show that, in the operation of an experienced surgeon for otosclerosis, either large or small fenestra technique provides satisfactory and stable long-term results.