Surgical outcome after paediatric cochlear implantation: Diminution of complications with the evolution of new surgical techniques

Objective: Cochlear implantation is a commonly performed surgical procedure with specific aspects in the paediatric population. The surgical outcome a ssociated with this procedure in a paediatric population is analyzed. Method: A retrospective study was performed of all children receiving a coc hlear implant at The Hospital for Sick Children from 1990 to 1998. During t his period, 104 patients received a cochlear implant. Results: The complications encountered were classified as major (4%), minor (3%), and device failure (2%). The surgical techniques developed to decrea se complications are discussed. Conclusion: Paediatric cochlear implantation is a safe procedure with a low incidence of complications. Nevertheless, the surgeon is now facing new ch allenges with cochlear implantation performed in patients with an abnormal cochlea, who carry a higher rate of complications, and cochlear reimplantat ion in case of device failure.