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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
A novel surgical technique in pediatric simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation
Said Sönmez1, Furkan Olgun1, Mehmet Çelik1
1Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Insights
A new surgical technique for simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in children significantly reduces operative time and avoids complications, offering a safer and more efficient option for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in children provides significant auditory and developmental benefits.
- Traditional surgical approaches can lead to extended operative times and increased intraoperative risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficiency of a modified surgical technique for simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in pediatric patients.
- To assess the impact of the modified technique on operative duration and potential complications.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 27 pediatric patients under 4 years old undergoing simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation.
- Utilized a modified subperiosteal pocket technique to decrease surgical time and minimize risks.
- Recorded and compared surgical times, complications, and outcomes with existing literature.
Main Results:
- Mean bilateral surgical time was 79.2 minutes; mean total operative time was 106.2 minutes, significantly shorter than reported series.
- No major or minor complications were observed, including no receiver-stimulator migration.
- The technique safely permitted monopolar cautery use in the contralateral ear before device placement.
Conclusions:
- The modified surgical technique effectively reduces operative duration for pediatric simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation.
- This approach offers a safe and efficient alternative, mitigating risks associated with traditional methods.
Backround:
Simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in children offers auditory and developmental advantages but can be limited by longer operative times and increased intraoperative risks.
Aims And Objectives:
To describe and evaluate the safety and efficiency a modified surgical technique for simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in children.
Materials And Methods:
This prospective study included 27 pediatric patients (<4 years) who underwent simultaneous bilateral implantation at a tertiary referral center. All surgeries were performed using a modified subperiosteal pocket technique specifically designed to shorten operative duration and minimize intraoperative risks. Surgical times, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes were recorded and compared with data reported in the literature.
Results:
The mean bilateral surgical time was 79.2 ± 18.0 min, and the mean total operative time was 106.2 ± 19.3 min and substantially shorter than previously reported series. No major or minor complications were observed. Importantly, no cases of internal receiver-stimulator migration occurred. The technique allowed safe use of monopolar cautery before device placement in the contralateral ear.
Conclusion And Significance:
The modified technique significantly reduced operative duration while avoiding complications. This method may provide a safe and efficient alternative for simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in pediatric patients.
