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Published on: August 4, 2023
Effect of otitis media with effusion on cochlear implant surgery: technical difficulties, post-operative
F Alzoubi1, H Odat1, A Nuseir1
1Division of Otolaryngology,Department of Special Surgery,Faculty of Medicine,Jordan University of Science and Technology,Irbid,Jordan.
Insights
Cochlear implantation in children with otitis media with effusion may present surgical challenges but does not lead to long-term complications. Surgeons should anticipate increased intra-operative risks and allow more time for these cases.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children.
- Cochlear implantation is a treatment for severe hearing loss.
- The impact of OME during cochlear implantation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate complications and outcomes of cochlear implantation in pediatric patients with OME at the time of surgery.
- To identify potential surgical difficulties and long-term effects.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 87 pediatric patients undergoing cochlear implantation.
- Analysis of patients with and without OME at the time of surgery.
- Follow-up period of 5-6 years.
Main Results:
- 17 patients had OME at the time of cochlear implantation.
- Surgical difficulties were noted in the OME group.
- No long-term post-operative complications were observed in patients with OME.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation in children with OME is feasible.
- Surgeons should be prepared for potential surgical difficulties and increased intra-operative risks.
- Allowing additional surgical time is recommended for these cases.
Objective:
This study evaluated the complications and outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients who had otitis media with effusion at the time of surgery.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review study was performed of 87 consecutive paediatric patients (age range 22 months to 10 years, mean 4.8 years) who underwent successful cochlear implantation, with follow-up periods of 5-6 years. All patients had unilateral implants, with eight on the left side. All devices were activated two weeks after implantation. The effect of the middle-ear condition on the procedure, post-operative complications and outcome were evaluated.
Results:
Unilateral ears of 17 otitis media with effusion patients were implanted with some surgical difficulties but no long-term post-operative complications.
Conclusion:
For children admitted for cochlear implantation who are subsequently found to have otitis media with effusion, surgeons should be aware of possible surgical difficulties. Greater intra-operative risks should be anticipated and more surgical time allowed for cochlear implantation in these patients.
