Who should be a stapes surgeon? An otologist or a generalist?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The overall experience with stapes surgery has declined, both within residency training programs, as well as in clinical practice. Does this change in the environment suggest that subspecialists rather than generalists manage patients with otosclerosis? RECENT FINDINGS: A decreasing availability of patients with clinical otosclerosis has encouraged trainees and practitioners to adopt strategies that will enable the maintenance of quality care to these patients. SUMMARY: Well trained generalists should be prepared to perform stapes surgery. Lack of experience or infrequent exposure to disease suggests that optimal care can be achieved by referring the patient to an experienced otologic surgeon.