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Bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation in children: surgical considerations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2017

L Migirov*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
J Kronenberg
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Lela Migirov, Dept of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 5262l, Israel. Fax: (972) 3 530 5387 E-mail: sabim@bezeqint.net

Abstract

Problem:

The advantages of bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation include: the possibility to pre-empt cochlear calcification following meningitis; reduction of the intervention to only one procedure, general anaesthetic and course of clinical care (with obvious benefits for the patient); and greater cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages of such a procedure include: doubling the risk of associated complications; placing the patient on the implanted side during contralateral implantation; the possibility of vestibular alteration simultaneously in both ears; the need for precise planning of symmetrical incisions and implant sites; and longer surgery time.

Methods:

The study cohort included 10 children who underwent bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation using the suprameatal approach.

Results:

The overall operation time, inclusive of anaesthesia, was approximately three hours in all cases. None of the children had any intra- or post-operative complications.

Conclusions:

From a surgical perspective, bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation is a safe procedure. The use of a non-mastoidectomy approach is recommended.

Information

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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