[Cochlear reimplantation - experiences and results].
BACKGROUND
There have been remarkable developments in Cochlear Implants in the past years. Technical improvements lead to more reliable and durable devices. In cases of traumatic and atraumatic device failure a reimplantation of the Cochlear Implant is necessary.


METHODS
In a retrospective study we examined 15 patients with 17 Cochlear reimplantation procedures after a traumatic or atraumatic device failure between 1996 and 2002. The reasons leading to the revision, the intraoperative findings, the perioperative complications and the postoperative audiological results as well as the personal evaluation of the revision procedure were analyzed.


RESULTS
In our study there were 11 children and 4 adults. In 10 cases a traumatic and in 7 cases an atraumatic device failure lead to the reimplantation. In 13 of the 15 patients the revision surgery took place within 1 month after the date of device failure. The electrode array could be reinserted safely without any perioperative complications. The postoperative results showed a continuous development of speech perception in all patients. The personal evaluation of the reimplantation procedure was positive in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear reimplantation in cases of traumatic or atraumatic device failure is a safe procedure without any serious perioperative complications. The timely reimplantation leads to a continuous development of speech perception.
Haensel
J
J
Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde und Plastische Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Aachen. jhaensel@ukaachen.de
Engelke
J-Ch
JC
Dujardin
H
H
Westhofen
M
M
D000367:Age Factors; D001299:Audiometry; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors