CPT® Code 69660

A stapedectomy or stapedotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at treating conductive hearing loss caused by the fixation of the stapes bone, often due to a condition known as otosclerosis. In a healthy ear, the stapes bone vibrates freely, allowing sound to be transmitted effectively into the inner ear. However, when abnormal bone growth occurs around the stapes, it can become fixed, leading to impaired sound transmission and subsequent hearing loss. The procedure involves making an incision in the posterior wall of the ear canal to create a tympanomeatal flap, which is then elevated to expose the ossicles of the middle ear for inspection. Depending on the severity and location of the otosclerosis, the surgeon may perform a stapedectomy, which involves the excision of part or all of the stapes, or a stapedotomy, where the stapes is drilled to create an opening. In cases where the stapes is removed, a synthetic prosthesis is typically inserted to restore ossicular continuity. This procedure may also involve additional techniques, such as a footplate drillout, where a small hole is created in the footplate of the stapes to facilitate the placement of a prosthetic rod, ensuring that sound vibrations are effectively transmitted to the inner ear. The surgical site is then closed by replacing the tympanomeatal flap and suturing the incision, allowing for recovery and restoration of hearing function.