Laser applications in ossicular surgery.

In the past 8 years, the author has used the laser in more than 2800 cases of tympanomastoid surgery. Of these, more than 600 involved middle ear ossicular surgery including otosclerosis, congenital deformities, and fixations of the ossicular mass for various reasons. During this time, there have been no complications, either short-term or long-term, associated with the use of the laser. There are many tasks the laser can perform with less trauma, more precision, and greater speed than conventional hand-held tools. The laser does not replace these tools in otologic surgery, but it does add an instrument that allows the microsurgeon to perform difficult tasks with greater ease and confidence.