Stapedotomy with and without stapedius tendon preservation versus stapedectomy: long-term results.

Stapedectomy and stapedotomy are presently the techniques utilized in the surgical treatment of otosclerosis. The technique of choice at the ENT Department of the University of Verona has changed from stapedectomy to stapedotomy with and without stapedius tendon preservation. From January 1975 to December 1985, 805 ears were operated on for otosclerosis at our department. A statistical analysis has been performed on three groups of patients (stapedectomy, stapedotomy without and with stapedius tendon preservation) at short and long term. The results suggest that stapedotomy with stapedius tendon preservation should be the preferred surgery in the treatment of otosclerosis.