Postoperative Complications Following Cochlear Implantation in Patients with Inner Ear Anomalies

Ahn, Joong Ho; Ahn, Youn Suk; Chung, Jong Woo; Lee, Kwang Sun

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Cochlear implantation is regarded as a safe and effective treatment for patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, a few patients, especially with inner ear anomalies, suffer from complications with variable degrees after operation. This study reports various complications encountered in patients with inner ear anomalies undergoing cochlear implantation in 3rd referreral center.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
We retrospectively analyzed 342 patients who had cochlear implantation between April 1999 and December 2005. There were 70 patients with various inner ear anomalies. Immediate and delayed complications were defined according to their onset which happened within or over 1 week. Minor and Major complications were defined according to their severity which needed further operation or management.
RESULTS
Among 342 patients, there were 35 cases (10.2%) with various postoperative complications. In patients with inner ear anomalies, the total number of complications was 20 cases (28.6%). There were 4 cases (5.7%) of major complications including facial nerve palsy, recurrent meningitis, device failure, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Reimplantation was performed in 3 cases (4.3%).
CONCLUSION
Although the rate of postoperative complications in patients with inner ear anomalies was higher than in patients with normal inner ear, most of them were minor and could be managed with conservative treatments. The tolerable rate of major complications suggests that cochlear implantation is a safe operation even for patients with inner ear anomalies.