a b s t r a c tObjectives: The purpose of this prospective study was to measure surgical outcomes in cases of cerebrospinal fluid gusher in cochlear implant surgery. Materials and methods: Demographic, radiological, neurophysiological and surgical results were evaluated in nine cases of patients with cerebrospinal fluid gusher during cochlear implant surgery, out of 164 unilateral cochlear implant procedures. Review of literature and our management technique is discussed. Results: Nine cases had cerebrospinal fluid leak during surgery. Out of three cases of incomplete partition type II, two had cerebrospinal fluid gusher while one had milder ooze. Two cases with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome had intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid gusher. Four cases of gusher had no predictable risk factors on clinical history, examination or preoperative radiology. All cases were managed with meticulous packing of round window site without any other additional measures such as lumbar drain or use of tissue glue. These cases showed no symptoms or signs of cerebrospinal fluid leak in the follow-up period. Conclusion: We recommend careful meticulous packing of the round window around the electrode using periosteum until cerebrospinal fluid leak is controlled in all cases of cerebrospinal fluid gushers. We also recommend a very conservative approach to managing these patients in the immediate postoperative period.

BackgroundCurrently, there is a significant lack of data concerning long-term outcomes following paediatric cochlear implantation in terms of quality of life. There is a need for a long-term, prospective study in this regard. This study aims at highlighting the preliminary results, one year post surgery of a five year prospective study.MethodsThe Cochlear™ Paediatric Implanted Recipient Observational Study (P-IROS) is a prospective, patient outcomes registry for routinely implanted children. The study collects data using questionnaires post-surgery and at regular intervals up to five years.ResultsAt our Centre, 159 cochlear implant surgery procedures were carried out between January 2014 and December 2014. Category of Auditory Performance II score increased from ‘0’ to ‘3’ at six months and to ‘5’ at 12 months for children aged 0–3 years, although this was not statistically significant. However, the same trend was statistically significant for the age 3–6 year and age 6–10 year brackets. The quality of life of the child improved significantly. Analysis of communication mode revealed a statistically significant overall shift to the auditory-oral mode from total communication.ConclusionCochlear implantation is a life-changing intervention. The evidence in support of what it can achieve safely is clear. However, the costs associated with it raise the question if it will remain an effective option for life in all children. The Cochlear P-IROS is an attempt to answer the same over a five year period. Our study in New Delhi, so far concludes that cochlear implantation in a population with limited access to funds is very effective, one year after surgery.