Complications and Clinical Analysis of Cochlear Implatations

Abstract

Objective: To investigate complications of cochlear implantation for prevention and therapy. Method: Retrospective study at a tertiary referral center. The patients (n = 673) who received cochlear implants in our department between 2000 and 2011 were followed up (range, 6 months to 10 years). All complications were systematically reviewed, and their causes were analyzed for prevention and therapy. Results: There were a total of 33 complications (4.9%). The minor were 26 cases (3.9%), including postoperative subcutaneous hematoma in 14 cases, acute otitis media in 2 cases, postoperative wound infection in 2 cases, delayed facial paralysis in 1 case, clonic facial spasm in 1 case, and severe dizziness in 6 cases. The major were 7 cases (1.1%), including cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 2 cases, implant-related infection and extrusion in 2 cases, tympanic membrane perforation induced electrode exposed in 1 case, implantation failure due to cochlear ossification in 1 case, and magnet displacement in 1 case. Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is a safe and reliable operation, but it is still a serious problem to lower the incidence of complications.