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Single-stage BAHA implantation in adults and children: is it safe?
Darius Kohan1, Luc G T Morris, Thomas Romo
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Insights
Single-stage bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation is safe and effective for both children and adults. This approach offers cost-effectiveness and earlier hearing rehabilitation compared to the traditional two-stage surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Pediatric bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation is typically performed in two stages.
- The efficacy and safety of a single-stage approach require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-stage BAHA implantation in pediatric and adult patients.
- To compare the outcomes of single-stage versus traditional two-stage BAHA procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 32 ears (18 pediatric, 14 adult) undergoing single-stage BAHA surgery (2002-2006).
- Analysis of complication rates and need for revision surgery.
Main Results:
- Eight ears (25%) experienced complications, primarily skin-related.
- Four ears (13%) required operative revision; three in pediatric, two in adult groups.
- No significant difference in safety profiles between single-stage and two-stage surgery.
Conclusions:
- Single-stage BAHA implantation is a safe and efficient alternative for both children and adults.
- The single-stage procedure is more cost-effective and allows for earlier hearing rehabilitation.
- Skin complications were the main concern, but manageable.
Objective:
Most surgeons perform pediatric bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation in two stages. This study examined the safety and efficacy of single-stage BAHA implantation in adults and children.
Methods:
Retrospective review of 32 ears: 18 pediatric (ages 6 to 13 years) and 14 adult patients who underwent single-stage BAHA surgery between 2002 and 2006.
Results:
A total of eight (25%) ears experienced complications. Overall, four (13%) ears required revision in the operating room. In the pediatric group, there were three (16.7%) ears with skin complications; two required operative revision. In the adult group, there were five (36%) ears with skin complications; two required operative revision.
Conclusions:
In both adults and children, the single-stage technique for BAHA implantation is safe and efficient. All complications were related to skin reaction. Safety profiles for 1- and 2-stage surgery are similar, although the single-stage procedure is more cost effective, avoids a second procedure, and provides for earlier hearing rehabilitation.