Preoperative Evaluation of Otosclerosis: A National Survey of Otologists.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2022

Publication Title

Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Describe practice patterns in preoperative assessment for stapedectomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey.

SETTING: Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS: Active members of the American Neurotologic Society and American Otologic Society.

INTERVENTION: Survey.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percent of respondents performing preoperative testing with acoustic reflexes (ARs), electrocochleography, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and computed tomography (CT). Further analysis of those not ordering routine CT to determine whether imaging would be ordered for previous ear surgery, vestibular complaints, childhood hearing loss, AR inconsistent with otosclerosis, possible advanced otosclerosis, or atypical complaints, including autophony. Further subgroup analysis based on years in practice and practice setting (private versus academic).

RESULTS: Most respondents (56.5%) had practiced more than 15 years and worked in academic settings (69.4%). Rates of routine use of preoperative AR, vestibular evoked myogenic potential, and electrocochleography were 80, 4.7, and 0%, respectively. There were no significant differences based on time in practice or practice settings. For CT, 35.3% reported routine use with a statistically significant difference between academic and private practice respondents (42.4% versus 19.2%, p = 0.040). For CT contingent on specific clinical factors, only AR inconsistent with otosclerosis showed a statistically significant difference between academic and private practice providers (85.3% versus 57.1%, p = 0.020).

CONCLUSION: Most otologists routinely obtain AR before stapedectomy. Academic providers more commonly order CT routinely and for AR inconsistent with otosclerosis. Most respondents not ordering routine CT ordered imaging in specific clinical scenarios. Overall, there is a high level of consistency in preoperative testing regardless of practice setting or time in practice.

Volume

43

Issue

9

First Page

e963

Last Page

e968

DOI

10.1097/MAO.0000000000003669

ISSN

1537-4505

PubMed ID

36047701

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