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A Descriptive Study on Imperiled Cochlear Implant Salvage Using Double Flap Cover-What We Learned in 6 Years
Pallab Chatterjee1, Pranay Pratap2, Bharat Mishra2
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, 110010 India.
Summary
Salvaging exposed cochlear implants using pericranial and scalp flaps is feasible. This approach avoids costly reimplantation and preserves hearing outcomes in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is standard for severe hearing loss.
- Infection and extrusion are rare but serious complications.
- Explantation and reimplantation are challenging and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of salvaging exposed cochlear implants.
- To evaluate a combined pericranial and scalp flap technique.
- To offer an alternative to explantation and reimplantation.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 12 patients with exposed cochlear implants over six years.
- Exclusion of patients with meningitis or sepsis.
- Debridement followed by double flap coverage (pericranial and scalp rotation flap).
Main Results:
- Successful salvage in 11 out of 12 patients.
- Average operating time of 2.17 hours.
- The technique is technically simple with a short learning curve.
Conclusions:
- Salvaging exposed cochlear implants is feasible, durable, and effective.
- This method avoids high costs and preserves speech reception outcomes.
- The double flap technique provides good tissue coverage and blood supply.
