COMPLICATIONS OF COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY: A DETAILED STUDY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Cochlear implantation is nowadays the most important means to restore hearing in patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who are not managed by conventional hearing amplification methods. The cochlear implant helps patients in better understanding and improvement in auditory abilities, speech, and linguistic development. The best results are obtained by doing the implantation at the earliest possible age. As with any other surgical procedure, cochlear implantation also has risks and complications associated with it. It can be minor or major complications. In our study, we have discussed in detail the challenges and complications of cochlear implant surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a retrospective study including 500 patients who were evaluated and operated for cochlear implants at MEHROTRA ENT HOSPITAL, Kanpur, India. All patients were investigated by audiological tests such as aided audiometry, ABR, and otoacoustic emission and found to have severe to profound bilateral SNHL. All patients were radiologically evaluated with CT and MRI. Aretrospective review of the patient's data was done including the patient's characteristics, surgery, outcome, and complications. RESULTS A total of 500 patients were included in our retrospective study out of which 337 were males and 163 were females. All the surgeries were carried out by the same group of surgeons using the standard technique of post-auricular incision and posterior tympanotomy. Patients have been followed up regularly and a close watch was kept on the vital signs, lightreflex, pupil size, consciousness, and wound healing. After surgery, patients were kept in the hospital for 2–3 days. Parenteral antibiotics and the compressive mastoid dressing were given, and the patient was discharged with oral antibiotics. We followed up with the patients regularly and managed the complications experienced by them. CONCLUSION Cochlear implantation remains a safe and effective surgical procedure for profound sensorineural hearing loss. We have a moderate rate of minor complications and a minimal rate of major complications in relation to other studies. The majority of minor and major complications can be avoided with adequate surgical techniques and can be managed conservatively. Keywords- Cochlear implants(CI), Minor complications, Major complications, Reimplantation, Cochlear implant surgery.