Stapedectomy: Fenestration versus partial or complete footplate removal

The introduction of stapes surgery in the 1950s has brought about numerous changes to the field. The designed changes in the prosthesis as well composition of the prosthesis has influenced stapes surgery. The introduction of microdrills and lasers has also had some dramatic influences in the field. Stapes surgery can be divided into large fenestra technique or small fenestra technique. There are various proponents to each technique, with reported excellent results for each technique. The long-term hearing results are comparable with each technique. This article reviews the long-term results for large fenestra and small fenestra surgery.