A Prospective Study of - Salvaging Exposed Cochlear Implants

Abstract

Background: The cochlear implant procedure is one of the efcient surgical options for the management of patients suffering from severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.Cochlear Implant exposure is one of the commonly reported complications.With an increase in the number of cochlear implant surgeries there is bound to be an increase in the number of complications. Cochlear implant extrusion, which is a common complication of cochlear implants, is generally repaired by a well visualized soft-tissue ap. Herein, we report our experience in the management of patients with cochlear implants complicated by implant exposure. Methods: In our prospective study -based case series of 12 patients with exposed cochlear implants requiring soft tissue coverage who were referred to plastic surgery care. These patients underwent their CI procedures at a tertiary care hospital specializing in ear, nose, and throat, after which they were referred for plastic surgery care at our hospital for reconstruction after exposure. Each patient was managed through different surgical techniques based on the size, site, and condition of the surrounding tissue with dual vascularised ap cover. Results: Twelve patients with exposed cochlear implants were treated with different surgical techniques with dual ap. During the 2-year follow- up period, the patients made an uneventful recovery with fully functional cochlear implants. Conclusions: In conclusion, this case shows that the cochlear implant exposed scalp defect could be reconstructed in a relatively easy and safe way with dual vascularised ap cover, in a short period of time, by using a TPFF or pericranial or gaeleal ap with minimal donor morbidity and anatomical proximity to the cochlear implant site combined with second vascularised scalp skin ap for the defect.