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Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
How we do it: Local anaesthetic cochlear implantation
Fearghal Toner1, Conor P Jackson, Joseph G Toner
1Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. fearghal_t@hotmail.com
Cochlear Implants International
|September 5, 2013
Summary
Local anesthetic cochlear implantation is a safe and effective procedure for patients, potentially benefiting those unfit for general anesthesia. This technique avoids significant operative risks, improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Cochlear implantation significantly improves quality of life.
- General anesthesia (GA) poses risks, especially for elderly or comorbid patients.
- Assessing operative risk is crucial for patient selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cochlear implantations performed under local anesthesia (LA).
- To describe the center's LA technique.
- To calculate potential morbidity/mortality benefits using P-POSSUM scores.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 16 LA cochlear implantations.
- Calculation of predicted P-POSSUM scores for operative morbidity/mortality under GA.
Main Results:
- Successful implantation in all 16 patients with no major complications.
- Patient age ranged from 26-92 years (average 68).
- Average predicted GA mortality: 8.6%; morbidity: 58%.
Conclusions:
- LA cochlear implantation is safe and effective.
- LA avoids predicted mortality risks associated with GA.
- Patients deemed 'unfit' for GA may gain access to cochlear implantation benefits.