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VOLUME 14 , ISSUE 1 ( January-April, 2022 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Management of Exposed Cochlear Implants: A Report of Two Cases

Vasanthi Anand, Sandhya Balasubramanyan, Lakshmi Shantharam

Keywords : Cochlear implantation, Device exposure, Major complication, Temporalis fascial flap

Citation Information : Anand V, Balasubramanyan S, Shantharam L. Management of Exposed Cochlear Implants: A Report of Two Cases. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2022; 14 (1):38-41.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10003-1421

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 22-04-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: There are several major and minor complications experienced by cochlear implant surgeons. Skin flap complication leading to exposure of the device is a major complication and can lead to explantation. In this article, we discuss about two cases where the implants were exposed, and the devices were successfully covered by flap rotation surgery. Background: Two patients experienced major skin flap complication (MSFC) after a trauma and followed by local site hematoma. The receiver stimulator was exposed. The infection was controlled. The exposed receiver-stimulator was covered with temporalis facial flap and scalp rotation. Case description: Case 1: The child had undergone cochlear implantation 2 years prior to presentation. The child had a head injury while playing that resulted in hematoma. It later got infected resulting in wound dehiscence and exposure of the device. Case 2: This implantee developed a small abscess near receiver stimulator 2 months after the surgery. Flap necrosis led to the devise getting exposed. In both the cases, double layer of temporalis fascia and skin flap rotation surgery was done. Conclusion: MSFCs can lead to exposed device. The device can be salvaged by two layers of vascularized temporalis facia with skin flap. This way it is possible to save the device avoiding explantation. Clinical significance: Every cochlear implant surgeon must know how to handle complications. The temporalis fascial graft is a good workhorse for covering the exposed device.


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