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Published on: February 29, 2020
Complications of pediatric auditory brain stem implantation via retrosigmoid approach
Yildirim A Bayazit1, Ayça Abaday, Fikret Dogulu
1Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. bayazity@yahoo.com
Insights
Pediatric auditory brain stem implantation (ABI) surgery via retrosigmoid approach can cause complications. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is the most frequent issue, potentially leading to longer hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Auditory brain stem implantation (ABI) is a surgical procedure for hearing restoration.
- The retrosigmoid approach is a common surgical route for ABI.
- Pediatric patients with severe cochlear malformations may be candidates for ABI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report complications associated with pediatric auditory brain stem implantation (ABI) using the retrosigmoid approach.
- To identify the incidence and nature of perioperative complications in young children undergoing ABI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of five pediatric patients who underwent ABI (Medel device) via retrosigmoid approach.
- Patients were prelingually deaf children aged 20 months to 5 years with severe cochlear malformations.
- Complications were assessed in two patients who experienced them.
Main Results:
- No intraoperative complications were observed during the ABI surgeries.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was the most common postoperative complication, occurring in two patients.
- CSF leaks led to further comorbidities and prolonged hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric ABI surgery, particularly via the retrosigmoid approach, carries a risk of morbidity.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is the primary complication, often necessitating extended hospital stays.
- Preventing CSF leaks is crucial to minimize morbidity and optimize outcomes in pediatric ABI surgery.
Objective:
We aimed to present the complications of auditory brain stem implantations (ABI) in pediatric patients which were performed via retrosigmoid approach.
Methods:
Between March 2007 and February 2010, five prelingually deaf children underwent ABI (Medel device) operation via retrosigmoid approach. All children had severe cochlear malformations. The ages ranged from 20 months to 5 years. The perioperative complications encountered in 2 patients were evaluated retrospectively.
Results:
No intraoperative complication was observed in the patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was the most common postoperative complication that was seen in 2 patients. The CSF leak triggered a cascade of comorbidities, and elongated the hospitalization.
Conclusion:
Pediatric ABI surgery can lead to morbidity. The CSF leak is the most common complication encountered in retrosigmoid approach. The other complications usually result from long-term hospital stay during treatment period of the CSF leak. Therefore, every attempt must be made to prevent occurrence of CSF leaks in pediatric ABI operations.