A new minimal approach in cochlear implant surgery: the Colombian experience.
OBJECTIVE
To implement a minimal invasive approach in cochlear implant surgery for children and adults. In order to decrease surgical complications and morbidity with the surgery.


METHODS
During a 1-year period, 12 consecutive patients (5 female and 7 male; age range, 1.5 to 78 years; mean age, 14.5 years), who had cochlear implantation (1 Nucleus and 11 Clarion) through a new surgical approach, were prospectively evaluated.


RESULTS
The surgical approach was accomplished in all the patients with no major complications. The mean surgical time was 3.2 hours and the mean time between surgery and process of programming was 2.7 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The surgical trauma and postoperatory edema was decreased and allowed programming of the implant in a shorter period of time.
Almario
Jorge E
JE
ENT Department, Universidad Militar, Nueva Granada, School of Medicine, Bogotá, DC, Colombia.
Lora
Jose G
JG
Prieto
Jose A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies