Medical and surgical complications related to a Nucleus multichannel cochlear implant

Abstract

Surgical complications were reviewed among a total of 106 Nucleus cochlear implant patients. Complications were classified as "major" when they required surgical intervention, and were classified as "minor" when they resolved with conservative treatment. As a result, 9 patients (8.5%) had major complications, involving flap necrosis, electrode slip-out, and otitis media. An additional 16 patients (15.1%) had minor complications. In two patients with flap necrosis surgical reconstruction was required, and in one patient the device had to be removed. The surgical principles for avoiding such complications were discussed.