Complications of cochlear implantation surgery in Zagazig University Hospitals

Cochlear implantation (CI) has been established worldwide as the surgical treatment for individuals with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss. Complications due to surgery are minimal and are often encountered in cases with congenital anomalies of the temporal bone and inner ear. Complications in CI are related to malfunctioning of the device or the process of wound healing. In most cochlear implant centers, as the surgeon’s skill and clinical expertise in managing various cochlear implant cases improve with years of experience, the complication rates ideally come down over time. This article is intended to describe the most common surgical complications of cochlear implantation in Zagazig University Hospitals. This retrospective study included 130 patients who underwent cochlear implantation in Zagazig University Hospitals from 2016 to 2018. The patients were 61 males and 69 females; their ages ranged between 2 and 6 years old with a mean age of 4.3. This study aims to provide feedback on the common complications of CI surgery at our institution to help the reduction of its incidence in the future. One hundred thirty cases of cochlear implants were performed in our department between 2016 and 2018. Sixty complications were recorded, including 27 cases of minor and 21 cases of major complications. Minor complications were flap wound infection in 4 cases (3.1%), chorda tympani nerve injury in 7 cases (5.4%), postoperative vertigo and vomiting in 3 cases (2.3%), injury of EAC in 7 cases (5.4%), wound seroma/hematoma in 4 cases (3.1%), and facial nerve twitching in 2 cases (1.5%). Major complications were electrode extrusion in 2 cases (1.5%), CSOM in 1 case (0.8%), CSF leak in 8 cases (6.1%), magnet migration in 3 cases (2.3%), total facial nerve paralysis in 5 cases (3.8%), and device failure in 2 cases (1.5%). The overall incidence of major complications is low. The majority of minor complications can be effectively managed with conservative measures. Cochlear implantation remains a safe and effective surgical procedure.