Surgical complications following cochlear implantation in adults based on a proposed reporting consensus

Abstract

Conclusion: The rate of severe complications was low and cochlear implantation is a relatively safe procedure. Standardization is crucial when reporting on cochlear implant complications to ensure comparability between studies. A consensus on the reporting of complications proposed by a Danish team of researchers was applied, evaluated and found beneficial.Objectives:To report the surgical complications following cochlear implantation at our centre, applying and evaluating a proposed reporting consensus.Methods:A retrospective file review of 308 consecutive adult implantations in 269 patients between 1994 and 2010 at Odense University Hospital was performed.Results:The three most common major complications were wound infection (1.6%), permanent chorda tympani syndrome (1.6%) and electrode migration/misplacement/accidental removal (1.3%). Permanent facial nerve paresis occurred following one implantation (0.3%). Transient chorda tympani syndrome (30.8%), vertigo/dizziness (29.5%) and tinnitus (4.9%) were the most frequent minor complications.

The effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus in patients with bilateral hearing loss: A systematic review

“…However, an increase of existing tinnitus, varying from 2% to 9% of patients, as well as a new onset of tinnitus, is described. The induction of tinnitus occurs in 1% to 5% of patients according to recent studies describing the complications following cochlear implantation …”

“…The induction of tinnitus occurs in 1% to 5% of patients according to recent studies describing the complications following cochlear implantation. 3,4 Most studies that report on the effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus have been published in the last decade. However, a current systematic review of the literature following evidenced-based medicine (EBM) principles is still lacking.…”

Feasibility of preservation of chorda tympani nerve during noninflammatory ear surgery: A systematic review

“…In 10 studies, no clear report was available regarding CTN preservation or iatrogenic lesion. Outcome of these studies did not evaluate CTN status . Seven studies were excluded due to a lack of preoperative diagnosis for ear surgery because it was unclear if patients with inflammatory disease were included.…”

“…Outcome of these studies did not evaluate CTN status. 20,21,23,[28][29][30]32,33,36,37 Seven studies were excluded due to a lack of preoperative diagnosis for ear surgery because it was unclear if patients with inflammatory disease were included. In addition, studies with a low number (< 5) of reported patients were excluded.…”

Sub-Galeal Pneumocele 20 Years after Cochlear Implantation

“…The most common complications are infection (wound infection and meningitis), facial nerve trauma, electrode migration/misplacement, vertigo, and tinnitus [1,2] . Pneumocele following cochlear implantation is very rare [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] .…”