Endoscopic Stapes Surgery

Purpose of Review: Stapes surgery is challenging yet rewarding hearing restoration procedure. Endoscopic ear surgery is a relatively new technique for managing otologic pathology. Stapes surgery presents a unique challenge when performed via a transcanal endoscopic approach because the surgeon is confined to using one hand for management of the footplate and placing the prosthesis. Recent Findings: Outcomes have been published for endoscopic stapes surgery, with several studies comparing endoscopic with the traditional microscopic approach. Several authors noted the need for less bone removal and less pain after endoscopic stapes surgery. Complication rates following stapes surgery did not seem to differ whether the endoscope or the microscope was used. Nonetheless, the overall audiometric results appear to be equivalent. Summary: Endoscopic stapes surgery has several potential benefits including visualizing unique anatomic variants, improved visualization of the anterior crus, the need for less bone removal in the setting of malleus fixation, and to date equivalent hearing outcomes.