Cochlear Implantation in Atelectasis and Chronic Otitis Media: Long-Term Follow-Up. Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology [Otol Neurotol] Journal article

OBJECTIVE:: To report the long-term results of cochlear implantation in cases with chronic otitis media or atelectasis using a single surgical technique performed in a single cochlear implant center.
PATIENTS:: Nine patients who were implanted using the blind-pit closure of the external ear canal technique (4 patients with adhesive otitis media and 5 with radical mastoid cavities). Follow-up ranged from 18 months to 12 years (mean, 7.05 yr).
INTERVENTION:: The surgical procedure was performed in 2 stages. The first stage included canal wall down or lowering any high facial ridge in previous mastoidectomies, removal of all skin, and blind-pit closure of the external ear canal without mastoid cavity obliteration or eustachian tube obliteration. Cochlear implantation was performed 6 months after the first surgical procedure.
RESULTS:: All operations were uneventful, and during cochlear implantation, as a second stage, no epithelia or other problems were encountered. No serious complications were encountered during the follow-up period. One case had a minor disruption of the external canal closure that was reclosed successfully under local anesthesia. All patients were using the device at the last follow-up interval with no device problems.
CONCLUSION:: Blind-sac closure of the external ear canal without obliteration is a rather safe surgical procedure in cases with chronic otitis media or atelectasis. Meticulous surgical technique and proper patient selection are of paramount importance. However, a 2-stage procedure may not always be necessary andmight best be confined to those patients who have active inflammatory disease at the primary procedure.

Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology [Otol Neurotol]