COMPLICATIONS OF PEDIATRIC COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION

Cochlear implantation has been established as a method of auditory reh abilitation for selected deaf children. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications can occur and may be particularly devastating in children. In this retrospective study, complications encountered i n 100 consecutive cochlear implant surgeries in children were analyzed . Surgical problems were limited to one case of delayed, transient fac ial paresis and one cerebrospinal fluid gusher. These findings demonst rate that cochlear implantation can be performed safely with careful p reoperative planning and meticulous surgical technique.