Cochlear implantation in 53 patients with otosclerosis: demographics, computed tomographic scanning, surgery, and complications.
OBJECTIVE
To collect data from a large number of cochlear implant recipients with otosclerosis and to make an assessment of these patients' clinical characteristics, computed tomographic scans, surgical findings, and complications, and to quantify the occurrence of postoperative facial nerve stimulation.


METHODS
Retrospective multicenter study.


METHODS
Fifty-three patients with otosclerosis from four cochlear implant centers in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands were reviewed. Sixty surgical procedures were performed in these patients: 57 devices were placed in 56 ears.


RESULTS
The computed tomographic imaging demonstrated retrofenestral (cochlear) otosclerotic lesions in the majority of patients. Although not statistically significant, the extent of otosclerotic lesions on the computed tomographic scan as categorized in three types tends to be greater in patients with rapidly progressive hearing loss, in patients in whom there is surgically problematic insertion of the electrode array, and in patients with facial nerve stimulation. In four patients, revision surgery had to be performed. Twenty of 53 (38%) patients experienced facial nerve stimulation at various periods postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear implant surgery in patients with otosclerosis can be challenging, with a relatively high number of partial insertions and misplacements of the electrode array demanding revision surgery. A very high proportion of patients experienced facial nerve stimulation mainly caused by the distal electrodes. This must be discussed with patients preoperatively.
Rotteveel
Liselotte J C
LJ
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. l.rotteveel@kno.umcn.nl
Proops
David W
DW
Ramsden
Richard T
RT
Saeed
Shakeel R
SR
van Olphen
Adriaan F
AF
Mylanus
Emmanuel A M
EA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D003710:Demography; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom