Abstract
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of complications associated with
CI. Design: Retrospective descriptional study wherein data of surgeries
done during April 1994 - March 2016 was analysed. Setting: Hospital
Participants: Patients who underwent cochlear implant. Outcome measures:
Complications were recorded as surgical and non-surgical; latter were
further classified as major and minor. Results: 1236 surgeries were
performed on 933 pediatric patients (06 months-18 years) and 79 adults.
The cause of the deafness was congenital (90.91%), idiopathic (8.30%),
and meningitis (0.79%). No speech impairment was seen in eight (0.86%)
children. Bilateral profound hearing impairment was common in 99.41%
patients. In addition, Mondini’s deformity (n=05), auditory neuropathy
(n=10), adenoid hypertrophy (n=05) and tongue tie (n=10) were seen in
children. Previous CI was reported in 29.46%. Delayed milestones were
seen in 13.39%. Hypertension (14.29%) and diabetes mellitus (15.18%)
were seen in adult patients. There was history of consanguinity in
60.02% patients. Right cochlear implantation (47.43%), left (31.42%)
and Bilateral implantation (21.15%) were done. Reimplantation was
required 2.96% patients. Surgeries were performed by two surgeons,
55.34% and 41.50% surgeries respectively, and as a team (3.16%). All
pediatric patients had uneventful postoperative period. There were 17
(1.68%) complications in adults; permanent facial nerve paresis (n=04)
and flap necrosis (02) were major complications (n=08); labyrynthitis
(n=04) and wound infection (n=04) were the minor complications (n=09).
Conclusion: CI is a safe procedure for restoration of hearing loss and
the complications are within the acceptable limits.