[Therapeutic effects of small fenestra stapedotomy with semiconductor diode laser: a comparison with microdrill].

Objective To compare the effects of small fenestra stapedotomy with semiconductor diode laser and microdrill in patients with otosclerosis. Methods Twenty-six patients (29 ears) undergoing stapedotomy with semiconductor diode laser and 19 patients (21 ears) with microdrill were compared for the hearing results and complication rates. Results No statistically significant differences were found in postoperative speech frequency and high frequency pure tone average in closing the air-bone gap between the two groups. The ears treated by stapedotomy with semiconductor diode laser showed significantly better preoperative minus the postoperative air-bone gap and milder dizziness. Conclusion In spite of the good hearing outcomes in both groups, small fenestra stapedotomy with semiconductor diodelaser can achieve better results and reduce the incidence of complications.