OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the clinical features and treatment methods of the inflammatory reaction associated with cochlear implants, and analyzes the possible pathogenesis and related factors. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed postoperative inflammation cases from February 2002 to October 2013 among 825 cochlear implantation patients. Their symptoms, signs and treatment processes and outcomes were described and summarized. RESULT: Incidence of implants related inflammatory reaction was 1.58%. The onset time ranged from 2 months to 11 years post-operatively. There were 6 cases of implants related non-infectious inflammation, with an incidence of 0.73% (6 of 825). Post auricular swelling and subcutaneous non-infectious discharge were found in all these 6 cases. Pressure dressing with bandage and steroid, antihistamine medications was effective. There were 7 cases of post auricular infection, with an incidence of 0.85%, resulted from flap trauma or acute otitis media. Antibiotics and drainage was used for them to treat the infection, and rotation scalp flaps were used to cover the exposed device. Five of these cases were cured but cochlear implants had to be removed out in the other 2 cases of staphylococcus aureus infection. CONCLUSION Cochlear implantation surgery is safe and effective for profound deafness. However, the implants-related non-infectious and infectious inflammatory reaction impacts the effect of cochlear implants, even lead to removal of the implants.
Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Inflammation ; epidemiology ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Surgical Wound Infection ; epidemiology