Pediatric cochlear reimplantation: Decision-tree efficacy

The context leading to pediatric cochlear reimplantation (CreI) can be complex. The objectives of this study were to define initial CreI indications, analyze final diagnosis and draw up a decision-tree.

A retrospective study included patients undergoing CreI between 2005 and 2015. Demographic characteristics, CreI circumstances and technical reports were collected. Circumstances indicating CreI were classified in 3 groups: performance decrement, suspected device failure, or medical. After CreI, final diagnoses were classified in 2 groups: confirmed failure (DFail) or medical (DMed).

69 out of 734 cochlear implantation surgeries were for CreI (8%). Manufacturers' reports were available in 64 cases (93%). Two principal causes were found: trauma and infection. Initial indications were: performance decrement: 27%; device failure: 56%; and medical: 17%. Final diagnoses were: DFail: 72%; and DMed: 28%. Initial indication and final diagnosis were similar in 86% of cases. The majority of the 14% initial indication errors belonged to the "performance decrement" group. Traumatic causes correlated with risk of initial indication error (P=0.039).

Apart from spontaneous device failure, the two causes of CreI were infection and trauma. Using the present decision algorithm, half of the complex cases were resolved after CreI.