Frequency of electrode migration after cochlear implantation in the early postoperative period. What are associated...

To estimate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with electrode migration (EM) in cochlear implant (CI) recipients.

Historical cohort study of all CIs performed between 1 January 2018 and 1 August 2021 in a single tertiary adult and paediatric CI centre in the UK.

The primary aim is to determine the prevalence of electrode migration, comparing intraoperative surgeon report and examination of a routine plain radiograph performed 2 weeks after surgery. EM is defined as the detection of movement of two or more electrodes out of the cochlea from the time of surgery. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate preoperative and intraoperative risk factors that might predispose to migration.

Four hundred and sixty-five patients, having 516 distinct surgeries, with 628 implants were analysed. EM occurred following 11.5% of implant operations. Pre-existing cochlear abnormality was an independent associated risk factor for EM (OR: 3.40 ⟨1.20-9.62⟩ p = .021). Demographics, surgical technique, usage of a precurved electrode, CSF leak, surgeon seniority and intraoperative telemetry did not influence risk of migration. There were 5 implants (0.8%) which migrated later than 2 weeks, with a median date of imaging diagnosis (x-ray or CT scan) of 263 days ⟨IQR:198⟩, for which head injury was a common precipitating factor. There were differences in the risk of migration between different lateral wall electrodes.

EM in the early postoperative period is a common occurrence and is more likely in implant recipients with obstructed or malformed cochleae.