Intratympanic Gentamicin Injection for Endolymphatic Hydrops After Cochlear Implantation

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Audiology

Background:

• Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) is a potential complication following cochlear implantation surgery.
• Limited research exists on effective treatment strategies for post-cochlear implant EH.

Observation:

• This report details the first documented case of delayed endolymphatic hydrops occurring after cochlear implant placement.
• The patient presented with symptoms indicative of EH subsequent to the implantation procedure.

Findings:

• Intratympanic gentamicin injection was successfully employed to manage the symptomatic delayed endolymphatic hydrops.
• This treatment demonstrated significant efficacy in alleviating EH symptoms in the post-cochlear implant patient.

Implications:

• Intratympanic gentamicin injection represents a promising, minimally invasive therapeutic option for endolymphatic hydrops after cochlear implantation.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the long-term effectiveness and safety of this treatment modality compared to surgical interventions like labyrinthectomy.