The impact of intra-operative factors in otosclerosis outcomes: retrospective study in a tertiary centre

The Clinical Picture of Otosclerosis and the Surgery Effect on Bone Conduction Thresholds on Audiograms

Our study aims to illustrate the clinical picture of otosclerosis in patients and the effect of surgery on the bone conduction thresholds compared to audiometry tests before surgery. A retrospective study included 36 patients that fit the inclusion criteria based on the patient's files and Pure Tone Audiometry of the patients before and after surgery. The questionnaire used is attached at the end of the study. According to Our sample, 77.8% were females, and 22.2% were males. The youngest was 17 years old, the eldest was 61, and the mean age was 38.2 years old. Hearing loss was the most common symptom in 100% of patients, while tinnitus was found in 66.7% and vertigo in 11%. The Injury was bilateral in 72% of the cases. Before surgery, the mean air conduction threshold (ACT) was 54.7 dB, the mean value of the air-bone gap (ABG) was 38.3 dB, and the mean bone conduction threshold (BCT) was 16.1 dB. Meanwhile, after the surgery, the mean BCT was 18.2 dB. Otosclerosis is more common in middle-aged females. Most cases are bilateral. Two-thirds of the cases of hearing loss were associated with tinnitus, while only a few had vertigo. A slight increase was noticed in BCTs after surgeries, especially at 4000 Hz. Stapedectomy caused a noticeable decrease in the values of BCTs on the frequency 4000 Hz. Stapedotomy improved the BCTs after surgery by about 5.3 dB at 4000 Hz.

[Revision surgery after stapedectomy]

Revision stapes surgery is considered to be significantly more demanding than primary stapes surgery, both in terms of the indication and the surgical approach. This article reviews common indications for revision after stapedectomy as well as the surgical approaches and intraoperative findings. A distinction is made between revision surgeries, which are usually carried out because of conductive hearing loss a long time after stapes surgery, and acute or subacute revisions that become necessary in the immediate postoperative course. With the shortening of postoperative observation times under inpatient conditions as a result of increasing economization and the associated shift of the immediate postoperative phase to the outpatient setting, the recognition of postoperative irregularities is also becoming increasingly important for otorhinolaryngologists in private practice, even if they do not perform these highly specialized interventions themselves.

Otosclerosis under the magnifying glass

Otosclerosis is a bone condition affecting the stapes bone within the otic capsule, and its exact cause is still unknown. It is characterized by a lack of proper remodeling of newly formed vascular and woven bone, leading to the development of abnormal osteons and the formation of sclerotic bone. Bilateral otosclerosis is seen in 80% of patients and 60% of otosclerosis patients have a family history of the condition. The etiology of this disease is still unknown, there are lots of theories to explain it. The histopathological (HP) studies of otosclerosis showed that osteoblasts, osteoclasts, vascular proliferation, fibroblasts, and histiocytes were observed in the stapes footplate. The onset of the symptoms occurs by the early third decade of life, usually it doesn't start later. In otosclerosis, the energy exerted by sound at the level of the tympanic membrane is reduced in the inner ear due to the fixation and rigidity of the ossicular chain, leading to hearing loss, especially for low frequencies. The primary clinical symptom of otosclerosis is conductive hearing loss but it is important to note that sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss can also occur as secondary symptoms of the condition. Another symptom present in patients with otosclerosis is tinnitus. The paper carried out a retrospective study of 70 patients diagnosed with otosclerosis in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Emergency City Hospital, Timişoara, Romania, between January 2021 to December 2022. Tissue fragments were processed at Service of Pathology by standard Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The HP diagnosis was completed using Masson's trichrome staining, Giemsa histochemical staining, and immunohistochemical (IHC) reactions with anti-cluster of differentiation (CD)20, anti-CD3, anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD34, and anti-CD31 antibodies. The microscopic examination showed a chronic diffuse inflammatory infiltrate that consisted predominantly of mature T-lymphocytes, immunohistochemically positive for CD3, CD4 and CD8. There were also present rare CD20-positive B-lymphocytes. Among the lymphocytes, relatively numerous mast cells were identified, highlighted histochemically by the Giemsa staining. They had numerous purple-violet intracytoplasmic granules. In the connective tissue support, a relatively rich vascular network was identified, consisting of hyperemic capillaries, highlighted immunohistochemically with anti-CD31 and anti-CD34 antibodies. Bone tissues trabeculae showed extensive areas of fibrosis. The collagen fibers were highlighted by Masson's trichrome staining, being stained in green, blue, or bluish green.

Hearing outcomes and patient satisfaction after stapes surgery: local versus general anaesthesia

Objective

Otosclerosis is a frequent ear disorder causing a stapedo-ovalar ankylosis and conductive hearing loss. Stapedoplasty, performed under both general (GA) and local anaesthesia (LA), is the most advisable surgical solution. Auditory recovery relies on the patient's conditions and on the intervention itself. The aim of our work was to compare hearing outcomes with stapedoplasty performed under GA or LA and to investigate patients' compliance to both methods.

Methods

Fifty-five otosclerotic patients underwent stapedoplasty both under GA (32/55) and LA (23/55). Pre- and post-operative air and bone tone audiometry threshold values as well as the air-bone gap and its closure score, were analysed. All patients filled in a satisfaction questionnaire regarding their concern and level of appreciation of the type of anaesthesia.

Results and conclusions

Our data show that the auditory results with stapedoplasty are good and do not differ between LA and GA. Even considering the advantages and limits of the two methods, one cannot favour one or the other type of anaesthesia. Finally, the patient's satisfaction cannot be considered a criterion of choice, since this was found to be high in both cases.

Role of HRCT Temporal Bone in Predicting Surgical Difficulties Encountered in Fenestral Otosclerosis Surgery

To study spectrum of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging findings in otosclerosis, to predict approximate length of prosthesis required from pre-operative HRCT measurements and to correlate between oval window niche (OWN) height preoperatively and difficulty in introducing foot plate perforator during surgery. A cross sectional study was conducted on 23 patients with a clinical diagnosis of otosclerosis from September 2018 to July 2020. Sensitivity of HRCT in detecting otosclerosis, correlation between pre-operative incudo-stapedial length (ISL) and intra operative prosthesis length, and correlation between OWN height and difficulty in introducing perforator were sought. The mean age of 23 patients studied was 39.9 years with a female preponderance of 56.5%. 17 out of 19 patients with foci of otosclerosis during surgery had HRCT findings of otosclerosis providing a sensitivity of 89.5%. Mean OWN height obtained was 1.29 mm preoperatively and a cut off value of 1.325 mm found using receiver operating characteristic curve method classifying OWN height as narrow or normal. Mean ISL measured pre operatively was 4.25 mm and mean length of prosthesis used was 4.56 mm with significant positive correlation using intraclass correlation coefficient method with correlation coefficient = 0.879. HRCT is an invaluable modality aiding the surgeon to detect otosclerotic foci with high sensitivity, identify thick obliterative otosclerotic foci requiring additional drilling, to predict the length of prosthesis used and to predict difficulties in approaching footplate when OWN height is below 1.325 mm.

Inner ear impairment after stapedotomy: do the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials play a diagnostic role?

BACKGROUND

Otosclerosis is characterized by a bony remodeling process that ends up with stapes fixation. The hearing impairment can be recovered by surgery by replacing the stapes superstructure. Due to the surgical management of the vestibule, the vestibular examination could provide an insight into the correlation between this kind of surgery and vestibular changes.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of the stapedotomy on the inner ear.

METHODS

We evaluated pure tone audiometry and the presence of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in 41 patients with otosclerosis before and after the stapedotomy operation.

RESULTS

Air conduction (Ac)-VEMPs were present in 18 cases preoperatively and 31 cases postoperatively. Bone conduction (Bc)-VEMPs were present in 23 cases preoperatively and 33 cases postoperatively. ABG was closed to less than 20 dB in all cases after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative Bc-VEMPS had an outstanding capability to predict the type of hearing loss. The postoperative absence of VEMPS despite the closure of ABG indicated the impact of otosclerosis on the saccular cells. The use of Thulium Laser in stapedotomy didn't affect significantly the saccular cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

Integrated use of audiometry and VEMPs was effective to evaluate the changes associated with otosclerosis and the stapedotomy operation.

Audiologic Outcomes of Footplate Drillout for Obliterative Otosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the audiologic outcomes of microdrill fenestration for obliterative otosclerosis compared to traditional stapedotomy technique.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Adult patients undergoing stapedotomy for otosclerosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients were separated into groups that underwent either microdrill or laser fenestration based on intraoperative severity of disease. Audiologic outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 588 ears in 519 patients that were evaluated. There was a significant postoperative improvement in pure tone average, air-bone gap, and mean bone conduction thresholds for both the obliterative and nonobliterative group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the pre- or postoperative hearing status between the two groups. There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups, including no cases of postoperative profound hearing loss in the drill fenestration group.

CONCLUSIONS

Audiologic outcomes are similar between microdrill fenestration and laser fenestration for otosclerosis. Pure tone average, air-bone gap, and mean bone conduction thresholds all improved postoperatively and were similar between groups.

Taste impairment after endoscopic stapes surgery: Do anatomic variability of chorda tympani and surgical technique matter? : Post-operative dysgeusia after EStS

PURPOSE

To investigate how the anatomical configuration of the oval window region (OWR) influences the management of the chorda tympani (ChT) and the curetting of adjacent bony structures, in a setting of patients undergoing endoscopic stapes surgery (EStS); to assess the incidence of early and late post-operative dysgeusia and to identify anatomical and surgical factors influencing taste function after EStS.

METHODS

Surgical video recordings of 48 patients undergoing EStS for otosclerosis between January 2019 and July 2020 were retrospectively revised, to classify the anatomical variability of selected middle ear structures and the management strategies for the ChT. Clinical records of included patients were reviewed for subjective early and late post-operative taste impairment using a 5-point Likert-scale.

RESULTS

The most common configuration of the OWR was type III. The extension of the bony curettage resulted inversely proportional to the exposure of the OWR. The long-term rate of preserved post-operative taste function was 85%. Displacement of the ChT was necessary in 43/48 cases (90%), mostly medially (36/48, 75%).

CONCLUSION

Bone curetting during EStS does not correlate with post-operative taste impairment. Despite 100% ChT preservation rate, dysgeusia may occur in a minority of patients, with no apparent relationship to anatomical variability or intraoperative management of the ChT. The use of CO₂ laser could have a role in increasing the risk of post-operative dysgeusia after EStS.

Conventional Microscopic Stapedotomy: An Obsolete Technique or Still the Gold Standard for the Management of Otosclerosis?

Background and objectives Clinical otosclerosis is a relatively common entity, accounting for 0.5%-2% of the general population. Otosclerosis is characterized by an abnormal bone formation in the temporal bone that eventually causes conductive hearing loss. Bilateral involvement is fairly common. Treatment can be either conservative with medications and a hearing aid, or surgical. Stapedotomy is considered, nowadays, the most effective surgical technique for the management of otosclerosis. The purpose of the present study is to present our long-term results with stapedectomy, the audiological outcome, as well as the complications encountered. Subjects and methods This is a retrospective single-centre study. All patients diagnosed with otosclerosis and treated operatively with a stapedotomy from January 2010 to December 2019 were included in the study. Demographic data, air and bone conduction thresholds, complications and length of the prosthesis were recorded.  Results The study included a total of 72 patients. The audiological results showed a statistically significant improvement in the air conduction thresholds in all the affected frequencies (p<0.001). Post-operative complications included deterioration or severe hearing loss up to 100 dB (n=1, 1.39%), loss or distortion of taste (n=4, 5.6%) and tinnitus (n=2, 2.8%). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that stapedotomy is an effective technique for the management of otosclerosis. Stapedotomy, when performed by an experienced surgeon, provides excellent outcomes, with limited complications.

How Long Is Otosclerosis Surgery Effective? Hearing Results after a 22-Year Follow-Up

INTRODUCTION

Stapes surgery is a safe procedure, with favourable hearing outcome. The objective of the study is to assess the long-term hearing results, addressing the bone conduction (BC) decay and the need for hearing aids in otosclerosis patients.

METHODS

We enrolled patients who underwent stapes surgery by means of stapedectomy or stapedotomy between 1991 and 2001. All enrolled patients underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) between September 2017 and June 2018. A set of questions was administered to record the prevalence of subjective symptoms and the need for hearing aids.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were enrolled for a long-term evaluation; 37 patients underwent bilateral surgery; therefore, 107 ears were included in the analysis. The average follow-up period was 22 years. No statistically significant difference was found between early and late post-operative air conduction (AC) PTA (41 vs. 49 dB; p > 0.05) nor between early and late post-operative BC-PTA (29 vs. 37 dB; p > 0.05). A significant difference was observed for AC at 8 kHz (65 vs. 78 dB; p < 0.05) and BC at 2 and 4 kHz (28 vs. 40 dB and 45 vs. 58 dB, respectively; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This is, to our knowledge, the longest mean follow-up time in the literature. A mild decrease in both AC and BC threshold can be expected and the sensorineural decay is more pronounced on the high frequencies. The subjective hearing symptoms and overall sound perception are satisfactory.

Functional Results and Learning Curve of Endoscopic Stapes Surgery: A 10-Year Experience

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To assess hearing outcomes and complications of endoscopic stapes surgery by a single surgeon in a 10-year period, to compare these data with conventional microscopic procedures by the same operator, and to describe the learning curve of endoscopic stapedotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study on patients who underwent endoscopic stapes surgery performed by the same senior surgeon, experienced both in microscopic and endoscopic techniques, between January 2009 and December 2018. Audiological data were compared, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were collected. The surgeon's last 30 cases of microscopic stapedotomy were enrolled as the control group. The results of the first 100 endoscopic stapes surgeries were analyzed separately to create a cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart for learning curve assessment.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-eight endoscopic and 30 microscopic stapes surgeries were included. In the endoscopic group, the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 8.2 dB. No significant differences between the endoscopic and microscopic preoperative and postoperative values were reported. A total of eight complications (4.5%) were observed in the endoscopic cohort, although in the control group, no complication occurred. The mean surgical time was 51.9 minutes in the endoscopic group versus 48.2 minutes in the microscopic group (P > .05). No association between stapedotomy success and the increasing number of procedures was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our article demonstrates that functional results from endoscopic stapes surgery are similar to those from microscopic stapes surgery in terms of both safety and efficacy. After gaining endoscopic experience, the surgical duration of stapes surgery will be adequate starting from the first cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:885-891, 2021.

GPER-1 and sex-hormone levels in patients with otosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Otosclerosis is a widespread disease but the etiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. Hormonal factors especially estrogens are accused in recent years. The study aimed to evaluate the levels of G-protein associated membrane estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) and sex-hormones in patients with otosclerosis.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

The study included 60 people (30 otosclerosis patients, 30 control group). Serum sex-hormone (estradiol, progesterone, prolactin and total testosterone) and GPER-1 levels were measured in otosclerosis patients and compared with the normal population. For the otosclerosis group, air conduction and bone conduction thresholds and air-bone gaps were viewed from audiograms and the relationships between hearing and GPER-1 or sex-hormone levels were also investigated.

RESULTS

Sex-hormone levels were not different between the groups. GPER-1 level was significantly lower in the otosclerosis group [3.1353 (0.76-8.21) ng/mL] than the control group [5.4773 (0.96-20.31) ng/mL] (p =0.017). Differential diagnosis with ROC analysis for the GPER-1 level was also significant (p=0.017). GPER-1 level was significantly lower for the females than the males in the otosclerosis group (p=0.043). Serum estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin levels were significantly higher (p=0.02, p =0.029 and p=0.019 respectively) and the GPER-1 level was significantly lower (p= 0.04) in the female patients compared to the female controls. There was no statistically significant relationship between GPER-1 or sex-hormone levels and hearing parameters.

CONCLUSION

GPER-1 level was lower in the otosclerosis patients compared to healthy volunteers and also lower in females than males in the patient group. Female sex-hormone levels were higher and GPER-1 level was lower in the female patient group than the female control group. Neither GPER-1 nor sex-hormone levels were not predictive of hearing levels. These findings indicate that sex-hormones especially estrogen and GPER-1 might have a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of otosclerosis. This is the first study in the literature that investigates the GPER-1 values in otosclerosis.

Predictors of hearing outcomes after stapes surgery in otosclerosis

Background: The current surgical treatment of otosclerosis is stapes surgery; however, few studies have reported the predictors of surgical outcomes.Aim/objective: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic predictors for postoperative hearing outcomes.Materials and methods: A total of 181 ears in 152 patients undergoing stapes surgery at a tertiary referral centre in Taiwan from 1996 to 2016 were retrospectively enrolled and preoperative and intraoperative parameters were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent predictors of postoperative hearing outcomes. A regression model was also established. Hearing success was defined as a postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) ≤10 dB.Results: In univariate analysis, the absence of floating footplate during surgery (p = .003) and small preoperative ABG (p = .014) were associated with successful hearing outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed the absence of floating footplate during surgery (p = .010) and small preoperative ABG (p = .015) remained independent predictors of postoperative hearing success.Conclusions and significance: Preoperative audiometric data and intraoperative finding may provide surgeons and patients with a better insight into surgical outcomes.