Complications in children with long-term cochlear implants.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the complications in children who underwent cochlear implantation between 1991 and 2002 at Chi Mei Medical Center, Taipei Medical University.


METHODS
The medical records of 169 cases of pediatric cochlear implants from 1991 to 2002 with a follow-up period of 3-11 years were reviewed for demographics and complications. A follow-up phone call and clinical visits were performed to determine the long-term results.


RESULTS
The medical-surgical complications were facial nerve stimulation, transient dizziness, flap breakdown, minor change of taste, cholesteatoma, otitis media with effusion and mastoiditis. The device-related complications included 4 device failures and 1 device breakage in a traffic accident.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma developed in children as long-term complications and surgical challenges. Nevertheless, cochlear implantation surgery in children is a reliable and safe procedure with a low percentage of severe complications. To prevent cholesteatoma formation, parents are advised to schedule a regular ENT consultation at least yearly for early identification and treatment in the stages of acute otitis media or drum retraction.
Lin
Yung-Song
YS
Department of Otolaryngology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC.
Lee
Fei-Peng
FP
Peng
Shu-Chen
SC
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002781:Cholesteatoma / Q000209:etiology*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008417:Mastoiditis / Q000209:etiology*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000209:etiology