Complications of cochlear implantations

Abstract

Background: Cochlear implantation (CI) has become an effective measure for the treatment of many cases with profound deafness. Although it is viewed as a safe technique, minor and sometimes major complication are still taking place after the procedure. The frequency of these complications varies between operating centers. No previous documentation of the frequency of these complications was carried out in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: This study aimed at describing the pattern of complications following CI in one of the main hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Through a retrospective study design, all medical records of cases who received CI in the period between January 2009 to January 2014 were obtained from the Health Information Department in King Fahd Hospital (n=142); a constructed checklist was used to systematically collect information regarding available demographic characteristics and complications after cochlear implantation.Data were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 16.0 (SPSS program). Results: The overwhelming majority of patients were children;128(90%). The overall number of complications following cochlear implantation accounted for 18 cases who represented (12.7%) of all cases. Most of the complications occurred among children making an age adjusted rate of (11.4%). Overall complications were 4(2.8%) spontaneous device failure, 3(2.1%) device failure due to trauma, 2(1.4%) wound infection, 2(1.4%) wound dehiscence, 1(0.7%) hematoma, 1(0.7%) facial twitches, 1(0.7%) post-operative vertigo and 1(0.7%) otitis media. Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is a safe technique with a relatively low complication rate; the reported rates of complications among our patients are approximately similar to what has been recorded in other health institutions worldwide.