Complications of post-cochlear implantation in 1027 adults and children

Abstract

BACKGROUND The number of cochlear implant (CI) recipients is increasing so there needs to be greater awareness of possible CI complications. OBJECTIVES Describe complications of CI. DESIGN Retrospective, descriptional. SETTINGS Tertiary health care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data was collected by retrospective chart review on complications for recipients implanted for the period from January 2006 to June 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Major and minor post cochlear implantation complications. SAMPLE SIZE 1027 cochlear implant recipients. RESULTS Post-operative complications were reported in 105 patients (10.2%). Minor complications were most often encountered (9.5%). Swelling (wound seroma or hematoma) was the most common complication. The major complication rate was only 7/105, 0.7%. Meningitis did not occur and cholesteatoma occurred in only one patient. CONCLUSION CI is a safe surgical procedure at our center. We believe that this is probably due to the preoperative protocol, the surgical technique used, and the postoperative care conducted for all our patients. Despite this, it is important that both physicians and patients have knowledge of the possible consequences and risks posed by CI, especially in view of the fact that these patients require lifetime follow-up. LIMITATIONS Further studies are needed, and should include more ENT centers across all regions of Saudi Arabia.

Clinical profile and management of revision cochlear implant surgeries

“…In revision cases, difficulties arising from neo-osteogenesis, fibrosis, and granulation are expected. 15 Revision surgery is very safe, and full-electrode insertion can be achieved in most cases with manageable difficulties. The study’s limitation needs to compare more different CI manufacture to evaluate more for devices reliability.…”

Accidental Explantation of a Cochlear Implant in a Child Who Developed Cholesteatoma as a Late Complication of Cochlear Implantation

“…As illustrated by this case, the development of cholesteatoma following cochlear implant surgery is another way where the electrode array could be exposed in the EAC. The prevalence of cholesteatoma developing in postimplanted patients ranges from 4.8 to 12.2% [ 1 ]. These may include recurrent/persistent disease in postimplanted patients who had prior cholesteatoma [ 2 ].…”

“…The prevalence of cholesteatoma developing in patients after cochlear implantation ranges from 4.8 to 12.2% [ 1 ]. These may include recurrent/persistent disease in postimplanted patients who had prior cholesteatoma [ 2 ].…”

Perioperative Nursing Care of the Patient Undergoing a Cochlear Implant Procedure

“…26,28 Late postoperative complications include failure or displacement of the device, facial nerve twitching, chronic ear infections, 26 abscess in the implant bed, rejection of the implant because of SSI, and stimulation of the tympanic nerve. 26,28 Nursing care plays a key role in the early detection and follow-up treatment of complications after CI surgery. 5,27 Postoperative meningitis may develop because of congenital anomalies in the cochlea and contamination of pathogens of the middle ear with CSF through the CI.…”