Complications of cochlear implant surgery in children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the intraoperative problems and postoperative complications in children receiving cochlear implants.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the clinical records of 366 children, aged 1 to 14 years, who had received cochlear implants.


RESULTS
Intraoperatively, obliteration of the cochlea occurred in 66 patients, cochlear dysplasia in 8, and CSF leakage in 7, and nearly 5% of patients had signs of infection in the mucosa of the middle ear. Postoperatively, early complications occurred in 1% to 2.5% of patients: flap complications, electrode dislocation, facial nerve problems, and incorrect insertion of the electrode. Delayed complications included otitis media and stimulation of the facial nerve.


CONCLUSIONS
Proper preparation of the implantation site, experienced and well-trained surgeons, and awareness of the operative and postoperative risks are necessary.
Kempf
H G
HG
ENT Department, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany.
Johann
K
K
Weber
B P
BP
Lenarz
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003638:Deafness / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies