The case for small fenestra stapedectomy.

Eight hundred stapedectomies were analyzed to evaluate the long-term results with four prostheses. It was concluded that limitation of fenestra size played a most important part in the outcome of stapedectomy, especially in regard to the preservation of high-frequency bone conduction response over prolonged periods. Other advantages deriving from small fenestra stapedectomy included significantly fewer fistulae and severe sensorineural losses.