Time of occurrence and causes of late surgical revisions after cochlear implantation

Background  Cochlear implantation (CI) is an effective treatment option for patients with severe hearing loss. Revision surgery in the late postoperative course, is rare, with the causes largely unclear to date. The aim of the present study was to identify the timing and causes of late surgical revisions after implantation.

Material and Methods  Data from patients who required late surgical revision (>3 months after implantation) between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively analysed. For this purpose, the time of occurrence and possible causes were recorded.

Results Forty-nine late surgical revisions were documented in 35 patients. The first necessary revision surgery occurred between 3 and 312 months (□ 72.2) after implantation. Causes of these revisions were the following complications or symptoms (multiple responses possible): Seroma, hematoma, abscess, wound healing disorder, device defect, chronic pain in the area of the implant, and magnet dislocation. Prior to these complications, 8 of 35 patients (22.9%) had an infection, and 9 of 35 patients (25.7%) reported acute head trauma or chronic pressure in the area of the CI (e.g., helmet).

Conclusion  Late surgical revisions may occur at different time points after cochlear implantation. Common reasons include chronic pain, device defects, and local wound complications. Head trauma and local infections seem to be possible causes.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023