Stapedectomy

Creator: Dr. Lakshmi Venkataraman
Keywords: stapedectomy risks, stapedectomy complications, infection, bleeding, dizziness, deafness, facial weakness, eardrum perforation, eardrum damage, tinnutis, dry mouth

Written by Dr. Lakshmi Venkataraman, MD

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kaushik Bharati, MSc, PhD, FRSPH (London)

Last Updated on May 30, 2019

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What are the Risks and Complications of Stapedectomy?

Some of the complications of stapedectomy include the following:

Anesthesia Complications: Risk of complications associated with anesthesia can arise, which should be discussed with the anesthetist
Postoperative Infections: These are common and are usually treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics
Bleeding: This can occur during or after surgery. Bleeding is treated by finding the source and cauterizing it
Eardrum Damage: This can result in perforation of the eardrum which may require another surgery

Deafness: Persistent deafness after surgery may be experienced, which may occur if the implant slips out of place, often requiring corrective surgery
Facial Weakness: This may be experienced for a few days after the surgery
Tinnitus: This is a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. It usually improves after surgery, but may worsen in rare cases
Dizziness: A dizzy feeling or unsteadiness in gait may be experienced for a few days after the surgery
Dry Mouth: Dryness of the mouth and taste disturbances may occur for a few weeks after the surgery