Cochlear implantation: features and complications

Abstract

Aim: The most effective method of treatment for patients with severe hearing loss is cochlear implantation (CI), in which various non-standard surgical situations can occur, as well as early or late complications. Purpose: to conduct an analysis of complications and non-standard surgical situations during CI and develop recommendations for their avoidance. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 138 disease histories of adults (7) and children (131) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and deafness, who underwent CI between 2006 and 2021, was conducted. Medel (112) and Neurelec (26) implants were installed. Results: After CI surgery, there were 9 patients with "minor" complications who were successfully treated with traditional methods. Also, 4 cases of "major" complications were noted: in a 4-year-old child, the failure of the device was observed due to trauma and damage to the reference electrode, in three cases, obliteration of the cochlea progressed in patients after meningitis, which led to hearing impairment. Complications during the operation occurred in 3 patients who had concomitant pathology (previous meningitis, chronic otitis). Conclusions: Cochlear implantation is generally a safe and effective treatment for severe hearing loss, but there are potential complications that both doctors and patients should be aware of. These complications can occur during surgery or in the postoperative period and manifest themselves from minor changes, such as separation of sutures, tinnitus, dizziness, to more serious problems - failure of the device, obliteration of the cochlea, or even damage to the facial nerve. To reduce the likelihood of complications, it is necessary to strictly follow the existing protocols of preoperative examination of the patient, especially in patients with concomitant pathology.