Introduction. It is not always possible to create a perforation in the footplate of the stirrup with the help of classical microinstruments during stapedoplasty, which will exactly correspond to the required parameters, moreover, these tools can be dangerous in some cases, since it is possible to provoke the footplate to enter the ear labyrinth, mobilizing it.Aim. To determine the efficacy and safety of various methods of stapes surgery in otosclerosis with an assessment of the frequency of intra- and postoperative complications.Materials and methods. In the Clinic of Ear, Throat and Nose Diseases of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University) a number of experimental and clinical studies were conducted, partial results of which we decided to retrospectively compare and analyze. The data of the first group of patients were taken from the results of a study with a CO2 laser. The data of the second group of patients were obtained from the results of a study with a diode (blue) laser with a wavelength of 445 nanometers. The data of the third group of patients were collected from archival data of medical histories from 2020 to 2022, who used a set of micro-tools for stapedoplasty (manual micropeforator, microneedle).Results. The data obtained showed similar results in the CO2 and blue laser groups. The main difference in the group of patients who underwent stapedoplasty with classical microinstruments was a longer operation time compared to laser stapedotomies, as well as a greater number of intraoperative difficulties associated with the mobilization of the foot plate of the stapes during manipulations with a manual perforator.Conclusions. The use of blue laser and CO2 laser in stapedotomy procedures shows promising results in terms of surgical accuracy and speed of the operation. Further research should compare the long-term effects of these three methods to determine the most effective and safest.

Otosclerosis is one of the most common causes of progressive hearing loss, in particular in people of working age. The effectiveness of stapedial surgery largely determines the interest in studying the problems and prospects for the development of technologies, namely, the improvement of prostheses, surgical techniques, and assistance during interventions. It is worth noting that the main attention in the scientific literature is paid to the description of the clinic, the diagnosis of otosclerosis, as well as the methods of stapedoplasty. However, the question of the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease remains relevant and open for discussion, despite the many domestic and foreign works in this field. The emergence of new research methods, including molecular-genetic ones, contributed to the transition of research to a new level and the development of several new theories. Modern understanding of the pathogenesis of otosclerosis considers this disease as a multifactorial condition, in which many processes are involved, for example, genetic, hormonal, biochemical, and immunological. Likely, further study of the theory and hypothesis of the development of otosclerosis will find their justification, which will help answer many questions. The purpose of this article is to analyze and systematize data concerning various theories of the etiopathogenesis of the otosclerosis process, based on the study of modern domestic and foreign literature.

Introduction. Since 2020, the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus poses a serious threat to health systems in many countries around the world. Finding inexpensive and affordable, effective and safe medications that can promote rapid recovery and reduce the risk of a severe course of COVID-19 is an important challenge for the health care system of any country. It has long been known that 7% hypertonic sodium chloride solution has nonspecific antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. A 2020 study shows the effectiveness of hypertonic NaCl solutions in blocking SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero cells. These data suggest that hypertonic solutions can be used as a prophylactic and alternative comprehensive treatment for patients with COVID-19.Aim. We study the efficacy and safety of hypertonic solution with hyaluronic acid in patients undergoing outpatient treatment with mild to moderate COVID-19.Materials and methods. We conducted an open prospective study of the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) solution 7% (Ingasalin® forte 7%) in outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who had 1 or more risk factors for a severe course of the disease. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. The main group received, in addition to standard therapy (according to the interim guidelines in effect at the time of treatment, version 14 dated 12/27/21), inhalation of 7% HG with HA in the morning and evening for 10 days; patients in the control group received standard therapy according to the interim guidelines.Results and discussion. Patients of the study group who received hyaluronic acid solution 7%  had statistically significant decrease of dyspnea and normalization of saturation values already on the 5th day of therapy compared to patients of the control group. One patient in the study group was hospitalized, and 4 patients in the control group were hospitalized. There were no side effects associated with the administration of hyaluronic acid solution 7%. Also, there was no development of cough or its intensification against the background of inhalation in patients of the main group.Conclusion. It is reasonable to use hyaluronic acid solution 7% in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 and with one or more risk factors of severe disease course as part of complex therapy.

Life quality assessment is one of the most popular and relevant field in modern medicine. Hearing loss due to otosclerosis may significantly affect different areas of the patient’s life, thereby changing the level of quality of life. At the same time, there is a certain subjectivity in the assessment of the patient’s own condition and the expert opinion of the doctor, including due to the discrepancy between the concept of a satisfactory level of quality of life. One of the problems of life quality assessment of patients with otosclerosis among Russian-speaking population is the lack of validated nosologically specific questionnaires. The aim of our study was to assess the quality of life of patients with otosclerosis by means of cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Russified version of the SPOT-25 questionnaire (Stapesplasty Outcome Test 25) to assess the quality of life of patients with otosclerosis. During the study, the SPOT-25 questionnaire was translated using a double reverse independent translation, agreed and formed into a single version for further validation work. As part of the study, various observation groups were formed, which included patients suffering from otosclerosis and healthy volunteers. The main internal characteristics of the questionnaire were determined, such as validity, reliability, and sensitivity. The results obtained demonstrated sufficient reliability and sensitivity as well as clinical validity of the new condition assessment tool. Thus, the Russified version of the SPOT-25 questionnaire can be used both in further scientific research and in the daily practice of an otorhinolaryngologist.

Introduction. One of the most relevant areas of modern medicine is research affecting the assessment of the quality of life of a person. Hearing loss can significantly limit various areas of life, thereby affecting the overall quality of life and certain particular characteristics. One of the methods of surgical treatment of otosclerosis is stapedoplasty with the installation of a titanium prosthesis.Aim of the study. To assess the quality of life index in patients with otosclerosis and its dynamics depending on the surgical treatment performed.Materials and methods. The study involved 39 patients who underwent piston stapedoplasty with the installation of a titanium prosthesis. Quality of life was assessed at the preoperative and postoperative stages. We used a Russified version of the SPOT-25 questionnaire (Stapesplasty Outcome Test 25) with a range of results, where 0 is the minimum impact, and 100 is the maximum.Results. All patients successfully underwent stapedoplasty. The average score in the preoperative period was 58.8 ± 14.9, in the postoperative period – 29.4 ± 20.4. Statistical comparison revealed a statistically significant improvement in all separately assessed indicators (p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (p < 0.001).Conclusion. The introduction into practice of a new tool for assessing the patient’s condition through such a parameter as quality of life can influence the rationale for the methods and tactics of patient treatment, which can positively affect the quality of medical care provided.