Which operation is seldom used today involving removal of the tympanic membrane and ossicles while allowing sound to travel to the middle ear?

The operation in question is known as "in fenestration," which historically involved creating a new opening in the bony labyrinth of the inner ear to allow sound to travel more effectively to the middle ear, especially in cases of certain types of hearing loss. This procedure was performed as a means of addressing issues related to the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain by enhancing sound transmission rather than directly replacing or repairing those structures.

In fenestration is not commonly practiced today for several reasons. Advances in medical technology and surgical techniques have led to alternative, less invasive options that provide better outcomes for patients with hearing loss. Modern procedures, such as stapedectomy and tympanoplasty, are preferred and have a higher success rate without the risks associated with creating new openings in the inner ear.

Mastoidectomy and radical mastoidectomy involve the removal of infected mastoid cells or more extensive disease, often in cases of chronic ear infections, but they do not specifically aim to create a new pathway for sound transmission. Stapedectomy focuses on the removal of the stapes bone in cases of otosclerosis but also does not include the notion of creating new pathways analogous to what in fenestration aimed to provide.

Given these advancements and the focus on maximizing