Serous otitis media as a complication of stapedectomy

During the past three years, 186 stapedectomies have been performed in our department. Three of these were complicated by SOM, although the patients had no history of SOM or eustachian-tube obstruction. It seems quite possible that SOM occasionally occurs following stapedectomy. However, the fact that it is a very benign disorder, and in most patients clears up either spontaneously or after the introduction of a ventilation tube, may account for the lack of reports. Since SOM may lead to development of an adhesive process and, thus, loss of initial hearing improvement after surgery, we suggest that it be added to the list of poststapedectomy complications.