title: Cochlear implantation and variation of facial nerve anatomy: a case report.
abstract: Cochlear implantation becomes more common with every passing year. Since adequate exposure of the round window requires a facial recess approach, facial nerve variation and anomalies could potentially alter the surgical approach significantly. We report the case of a patient with a variation of facial nerve anatomy. The nerve was found to be lateral to the annulus in its mastoid segment and required retrofacial dissection to approach the round window. A good result was achieved in this patient, demonstrating that facial nerve anomalies need not be a barrier to successful implantation. The reported congenital anomalies of the facial nerve are discussed, along with their influence on cochlear implantation. A knowledge of these variations is mandatory for those engaged in implant surgery.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Liening
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haupert
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kartush
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001845:Bone Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004576:Electromyography; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed