Complications of Cochlear Implant at Hawler Teaching Center (Rizgary Teaching Hospital)

Abstract

Background and objectives: Cochlear implantation caries many morbidity, complications and even failure which may have an economic burden to candidates and medical administration. Several surgical techniques and implants had been suggested for optimum result and implant proper functioning. Our aim was to determine variouscomplications types and rate encountered in cochlear implantation candidates of different age groups at Rizgary Teaching Hospital. Methods: Prospective case series review conducted on 110 cochlear implantation candidates who underwent cochlear implantation in Ear, Nose and Throat – Head & Neck Surgery department, at Rizgary Teaching hospital from January 2014 until January 2016. The cochlear implantation complications were identified as (minor) and (major). All complications were systematically studied and analyzed with maximum duration of follow-up of 24 months. All cochlear implantation candidates were received unilaterally multichannels cochlear implant. The same surgical team performed all surgical procedures. All patients provided written informed consent for the procedures. Results: The overall rate of of complications was 13.63% (15 out of 110). The minor complications were 12 cases (10.90%), including postoperative wound infections in 3 cases (2.72%), electrode issues in 3 cases (2.72%), acute otitis media in 2 cases and transient vertigo/dizziness in 2 cases (1.81%), transient facial palsy in 2 cases. The major complications were 3 cases (2.72%), including device failure in 2 cases (1.81%), cholesteatoma in 1 case; all major complications were required revision surgery, and other minor complications were managed medically. Conclusions: Cochlear implantation is a relatively safe and effective procedure with fewer complications rate when performed by experienced and skilled surgeons.

Keywords

• Cochlear implantation
• Major complication
• Minor complication
• Surgery