Stapedectomy. Causes of failure and revision surgery in otosclerosis.

The greatest chance of success in stapedectomy is at the time of the initial procedure. Complications are compounded and successes markedly decreased when revision surgery is attempted. The most common pitfalls encountered in stapedectomy are reviewed in this article. Principles of surgery that have minimized complications and decreased the need for revision procedures in the authors' practices are outlined. Guidelines helpful when considering revision surgery also are presented and specific indications are addressed.