What procedure involves the replacement of the stapes in the middle ear?

The procedure that involves the replacement of the stapes in the middle ear is known as stapedectomy. This surgical intervention is primarily performed to improve hearing in patients with stapes otosclerosis, a condition where the stapes bone becomes fixed due to abnormal bone growth, leading to conductive hearing loss.

During a stapedectomy, the immobilized stapes bone is removed and, in many cases, replaced with a prosthetic device that restores the ability of the middle ear to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear effectively. This operation aims to improve the transmission of sound and significantly enhance the patient's hearing.

The other procedures listed do not involve the replacement of the stapes. A radical mastoidectomy involves the removal of infected mastoid air cells and underlying structures, primarily to treat chronic ear infections. Mastoidectomy is similar but may vary in extent and is often focused on the mastoid bone rather than the stapes. In fenestration is a less common procedure that involves creating a new opening in the inner ear, which is distinct from the replacement of the stapes and is not routinely performed today.