title: Keyhole cochlear implantation:  current status.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Past cochlear implantation (CI) techniques have included a variety of soft tissue and bony trauma to place and stabilize the implant body. Despite minimalist approaches, the surgery invites further refinement.
  
  
  METHODS
  A restricted access "keyhole" CI technique was developed through a series of 547 cases undertaken from 1997. The surgery used a 20-mm-diameter mini C-incision on the rear of the auricle and avoided the use of a bony retention well or suture fixation. Initial body migration rates were successfully countered using small titanium mesh "bridges." The series was free from other problems specific to the technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study demonstrates that CI can be performed with only restricted exposure, disposing of well and suture fixation methods, and without a wound that may be adjacent to the implant body or electrode arrays.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The keyhole approach proved atraumatic and brief. It is particularly suited to simultaneous bilateral implantation in the infant and proved adaptable to all ages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Children's Hospital, and University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. bruceblackmd@bigpond.com
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Black
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged