Comparison of hearing improvement and complications after stapes surgery with and without potassium titanyl phosphate laser for manipulation of the foot plate.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the differences in hearing results and complications between the conventional technique (CT) and potassium titanyl phosphate laser (KTP) laser-assisted stapes surgery that does not involve the manipulation of the foot plate. METHODS Ninety-eight ears with conductive or mixed hearing loss due to otosclerosis were operated on by using the CT or KTP laser-assisted manipulation. The results of pure-tone audiometry, the duration of postoperative vestibular symptoms, and the presence of damage to the foot plate were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS The extent of hearing improvement and the duration of vestibular symptoms were not significantly different between the two groups. The damage to the foot plate was significantly less frequent in the KTP group compared to the CT group. Profound sensorineural hearing loss occurred in one case in the CT group, whereas no significant sensorineural hearing loss was detected in the KTP group. CONCLUSIONS According to our present findings, KTP laser-assisted surgery was safer than CT in terms of the damage to the foot plate even when the KTP laser was not used for opening the foot plate. However, both techniques showed similar results in hearing improvement and vestibular symptoms.