Prospective evaluation of intraoperative cochlear implant radiographs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical utility of intraoperative plain radiographs in cochlear implant surgery.


METHODS
Prospective.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Eighty consecutive adult and pediatric cochlear implant operations at a facility capable of intraoperative radiographs were evaluated over 12 months.


METHODS
Intraoperative plain radiographs to assess implant location and surgeon questionnaire.


METHODS
Plain radiographic image interpretation and surgeon questionnaire.


RESULTS
In one revision surgery, the intraoperative plain radiograph was useful for confirming the cochleostomy site. In the remaining 79 operations, no changes in the electrode arrays were made on the basis of the information provided by intra-operative plain radiographs.


CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort, intraoperative plain radiographs were not useful for uncomplicated implant operations; however, they may be useful for complicated operations. These results may have implications for surgical cost and patient radiation exposure.
Copeland
Benjamin J
BJ
Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7600, USA.
Pillsbury
Harold C
HC
Buchman
Craig A
CA
D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003638:Deafness / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome