Prior to Procedure

Before the surgery, your doctor may have images taken.

Leading up to your procedure:

• Certain medications may cause complications during the procedure or recovery. These medications may need to be stopped up to 1 week before the procedure. Talk to your doctor before the procedure about all medications you are taking.
• Do not start any new medications, herbs, or supplements without talking to your doctor.
• Arrange for a ride home from the procedure.
• Arrange for help at home as you recover.
• The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia may be general or local. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your procedure and general health.

With general anesthesia, you will be asleep throughout the procedure.

Local anesthesia will numb the area but you will be awake. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.

Description of the Procedure

Special tools are used through the ear canal to access and view the middle ear. The eardrum will be gently lifted to allow access to the stapes bone. The stapes bone will be removed. Sometimes a laser is used to destroy parts of the bone and the remaining pieces are removed.

An artificial stapes replacement will be put in place. Once the new device is secure, the eardrum will be put back into place. A cotton or ointment plug may be placed in your ear canal. This packing will help keep the eardrum in place and protect the new stapes bone until it can set.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1 hour

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will help block pain during the procedure. You may feel occasional sharp, shooting pain in your ear after the procedure. The doctor will recommend medication to help manage any pain.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be monitored in a recovery area until you are ready to go home. Most will go home the same day but some may need to stay overnight.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

• Washing their hands
• Keeping your incisions covered

At Home

Certain activities will be limited to allow your ear to heal properly:

• Recovery may require up to a week off of work, especially of the work is physically demanding.
• Air travel will be limited for about 1 month.
• Swimming may be limited during the first few weeks to prevent getting water into the ear.

Home care will also be required to prevent putting too much pressure on the healing stapes.