Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
Cochlear implantation under conscious sedation with local anesthesia; Safety, Efficacy, Costs, and Satisfaction
Samion Shabashev1, Yasser Fouad2, T Kate Huncke1
1a NYU Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine , NYU Langone Medical Center , New York , NY , USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the safety, efficiency, cost effectiveness, and satisfaction of patients undergoing cochlear implantation under conscious sedation versus general anesthesia.
Study Design:
Retrospective case review of 20 patients who underwent cochlear implantation under conscious sedation which was compared to 20 age-matched patients where surgery was performed under general anesthesia.
Methods:
Perioperative times, length of stay, anesthesia drug costs, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Conscious sedation was associated with decreased drug costs, surgery time, and anesthesia time. Length of stay was significantly longer for patients undergoing general anesthesia. Patient satisfaction was superior with conscious sedation. Perioperative morbidity was not significantly different between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Conscious sedation for cochlear implantation is a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to general anesthesia. The efficacy of conscious sedation for cochlear implant surgery may expand the treatment of profound hearing loss to the elderly who are deemed too sick for general anesthesia or are fearful of the cognitive or medical consequences of general anesthesia.
