Diode Laser Stapedotomy: Audiological Results and Clinical Safety

<i>Background and objectives:</i> Stapedotomy is the surgical treatment for otosclerosis, with excellent results in terms of hearing recovery. Various laser systems have proven to be an interesting alternative to the conventional technique, allowing for a more precise footplate fenestration with apparently less trauma to the inner ear. The diode laser, more recently introduced, seems to offer more controlled tissue interaction, potentially reducing thermal damage to surrounding structures. However, the literature remains limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and clinical safety of diode laser stapedotomy by comparing the observed results with those previously reported. <i>Materials and methods:</i> A retrospective analysis of 105 patients who underwent diode laser stapedotomy was conducted. The audiological data and the complications were analyzed and compared with a cohort of patients who underwent stapedotomy performed using the conventional technique. <i>Results:</i> In patients who underwent diode laser stapedotomy, the postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) improved significantly at all frequencies. Hearing outcomes were excellent (ABG ≤ 10 dB) in 60.9% of cases, good (ABG ≤ 20 dB) in 89.5%, and poor (ABG > 20 dB) in 10.5% of patients. Intraoperative complications occurred in seven patients (6.7%), including two cases (1.9%) of footplate damage. Postoperatively, 13 cases of vertigo (12.4%), three cases of tinnitus (2.8%), and one case of sensorineural hearing loss (0.9%) were reported. <i>Conclusions:</i> Diode laser stapedotomy is an effective and safe procedure, providing excellent audiological outcomes without increasing the risk of surgical complications. The possibility of thermal damage to the inner ear must be considered, and appropriate laser parameters should be used to minimize these risks.