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Published on: August 4, 2023
Soft tissue complications after pediatric cochlear implantation in children younger than 12 months
Prodip K Das Purkayastha1, Stephanie Jewell, Adrian L James
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario, Canada. prodipdas@hotmail.com
Insights
Pediatric cochlear implantation in infants under 12 months is safe, with no increased risk of major soft tissue complications. A review found only one minor skin infection in 66 infants.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is increasingly performed in younger children.
- Concerns exist regarding potential soft tissue complications in very young pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of major and minor soft tissue complications following cochlear implantation in children under 12 months of age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of pediatric patients who underwent cochlear implantation.
- Data collected from a large cochlear implant program database.
- Analysis of demographic information and hearing loss characteristics.
Main Results:
- Sixty-six patients (94 implants) younger than 12 months were identified.
- One minor complication (skin infection) was reported and successfully treated with antibiotics.
- No major soft tissue complications were observed in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation in children under 12 months of age is associated with a low risk of soft tissue complications.
- The procedure appears safe for this young age group regarding soft tissue integrity.
Objectives:
Children are undergoing cochlear implantation younger than ever before. There has been some concern that young children may have an increased risk of soft tissue complications than older age groups. We aim to review the major and minor soft tissue complications after pediatric cochlear implantation in the age group of younger than 12 months.
Study Design:
Retrospective case review.
Methods:
Patients were identified from the cochlear implant program database of more than 1,000 children at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Demographic data, cause of hearing loss, and time of the onset of hearing loss were recorded.
Results:
A total of 66 patients were identified (94 implants) in the age group of younger than 12 months. Of these, there was 1 minor complication (implanted at 8 mo)-skin infection around implant 14 days later treated with antibiotics. There were no major complications.
Conclusion:
Cochlear implantation in children younger than 12 months does not increase the risk of soft tissue complications.
