Complications in pediatric cochlear implant surgery

In a retrospective analysis we evaluated the intra- and postoperative compl ications in children who underwent cochlear implantation between 1984 and 1 993 at the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. The data and records of 366 ch ildren were collected and analyzed. Relevant parameters were major complica tions such as significant infection, intraoperative bleeding, facial nerve injury, implant loss and device failure, as well as lesser complications, i ncluding delayed wound healing, chronic pain and vertigo. Late complication s such as cholesteatoma or electrode dislocations were also registered. Cas es of acute otitis media were managed with conservative treatment, Data pre sented indicate that cochlear implant surgery in children is a reliable and safe procedure with a low percentage of severe complications. Problems rel ated to ear surgery can occur and should be manageable with standard proced ures. Careful operative techniques and sufficient personal experience can h elp avoid severe postoperative problems.