Postauricular incision versus modified endaural incision (Wahba’s incision), in cochlear implantation

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the traditional postauricular incision with the modified endaural incision (Wahba's incision), in cochlear implantation (CI) surgery. Material and method: This is a retrospective case series study on 256 cases who performed CI surgery from 2010 to 2020 in a tertiary hospital and had a follow-up period of more than 2 years. They were divided into two grou ps. The first group included 146 patients who were implanted through the Wahba's incision. The second group included 112 patients who were implanted through the traditional postauricular incision. Both groups were compared retrospectively. Results: The average duration of CI was longer in the group implanted through Wahba's incision than the group implanted through postauricular incision (145 ± 42 and 130 ± 35 respectively). The rate of early postoperative surgical related complications was less in the group implanted through Wahba's incision than the group implanted through the postauricular incision (2.73% and 6.25% respectively). The rate of late postoperative surgical related complications was less in the group implanted through Wahba's incision than the group implanted through the postauricular incision (4.79% and 10.71% respectively) . However, all these differences were statistically insignificant (P values were > 0.05).Conclusion: Modified endaural incision "Wahba's incision" is an effective alternative to the traditional postauricular incision that aims at decreasing the rate of surgical related complications.