Surgical outcome after paediatric cochlear implantation: diminution of complications with the evolution of new surgical techniques.
OBJECTIVE
Cochlear implantation is a commonly performed surgical procedure with specific aspects in the paediatric population. The surgical outcome associated with this procedure in a paediatric population is analyzed.


METHODS
A retrospective study was performed of all children receiving a cochlear implant at The Hospital for Sick Children from 1990 to 1998. During this period, 104 patients received a cochlear implant.


RESULTS
The complications encountered were classified as major (4%), minor (3%), and device failure (2%). The surgical techniques developed to decrease complications are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Paediatric cochlear implantation is a safe procedure with a low incidence of complications. Nevertheless, the surgeon is now facing new challenges with cochlear implantation performed in patients with an abnormal cochlea, who carry a higher rate of complications, and cochlear reimplantation in case of device failure.
Gysin
C
C
Department of Orolaryngology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
Papsin
B C
BC
Daya
H
H
Nedzelski
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome