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Updated: May 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Impedance Monitoring for Cochlear Implant Surgery
Published on: August 4, 2023
Combined local anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care for cochlear implantation
M Alzahrani1, F Martin2, C Bobillier3
1Service d'ORL et de chirurgie de la face et du cou, centre hospitalier universitaire de Tours, 37044 Tours cedex, France; King Fahd Specialist Hospital, ENT Department, 31491 Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Introduction:
Cochlear implantation has become a routine procedure for patients with hearing loss. In some patients, general anesthesia might be contraindicated due to multiple co-morbidities. We describe a successful protocol for cochlear implantation under local anesthesia with light sedation.
Case Report:
An 81-year-old patient presented with profound sensorineural hearing loss. Her past medical history revealed ischemic coronaropathy, managed by stenting. After multidisciplinary evaluation and clear adapted information to the patient, surgery was performed under local anesthesia with light sedation and monitored anesthesia care. The procedure lasted 70 min, and was without incident and under good conditions for the surgeon. During the intervention, the patient was comfortable. No nausea or vomiting was noted. The postoperative period was smooth and uneventful.
Conclusion:
We find local anesthesia with light sedation a good alternative to general anesthesia for patients where general anesthesia is contraindicated. An experienced surgical and anesthesiology team is essential to shorten the duration of the procedure.
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