THE ROLE OF KTP LASER IN REVISION STAPEDECTOMY

In recent years, the safety and efficacy of revision stapedectomy has come under scrutiny. Experienced surgeons report that the results of s uch surgery are often worse than the results after primary surgery and that the risks of sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo a re increased. With the addition of laser technology to revision stapes surgery, the procedure to open the neomembrane over the oval window a nd gain access to the inner ear can now be performed safely. This allo ws positive identification of the oval window and assures placement of the prosthesis through the fenestra rather than on an intermediate se gment of scar or bone in the region of the footplate. Out studies have shown the laser to be an important tool that enhances the safety and efficacy of revision stapedectomy.