PRESERVATION OF THE STAPEDIUS TENDON IN LASER STAPES SURGERY

Objectives/Hypothesis: The stapedius tendon is routinely transected du ring stapes surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the t echnique of stapedial tendon preservation during stapes surgery and to compare results of these cases with cases where the stapedial tendon was not preserved. Study Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Four gr oups of patients were evaluated. Two groups had-undergone stapes surge ry with preservation of the stapedial tendon, One of these groups unde rwent a laser stapedotomy minus prosthesis (laser STAMP) procedure, wh ile the other group had a prosthesis inserted. The other two groups ha d undergone laser stapedotomy with one of two different prostheses bei ng used. Audiometric data were obtained and reviewed both preoperative ly and at approximately 6 weeks postoperatively. Results: All groups h ad overall successful results demonstrating that stapedial tendon pres ervation is technically possible and does not compromise outcomes. Con clusions: Eased on the results, it is recommended that the stapedius t endon be preserved whenever possible during laser stapes surgery. Reas ons justifying its preservation are discussed.