External auditory canal closure in cochlear implant surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate surgical techniques and complications associated with external auditory canal (EAC) closure in cochlear implant surgery.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center with a large cochlear implant program.

PATIENTS: Twenty-eight patients (8 adults and 20 children) underwent multichannel cochlear implantation with EAC closure. The follow-up periods ranged between 1 and 10 years. Closure of the EAC was performed in conjunction with implantation of ears with chronic suppurative otitis media or cochlear drill-out procedures for ossification, or for access to the cochlea in patients with abnormal temporal bone anatomy. A modified Rambo technique was used for EAC closure in all but one case.

INTERVENTIONS: Cochlear implantation with EAC closure and subsequent clinical and radiologic follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications or the development of cholesteatoma in the implanted ear.

RESULTS

Cholesteatoma developed in the implanted ear in two patients. Breakdown of EAC closure occurred in one of these patients. The details of these patients are reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Closure of EAC can be done with relatively low risk. Close and careful follow-up is required for early detection of a developing cholesteatoma.