Initial Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation: a Comparison of Round Window Membrane and Conventional Bony Cochleostomy

Introduction: In 1972, William House introduced cochlear implantation and developed the House/3M single-channel device. This was the first implant to be implanted worldwide in over 1,000 patients from 1972 to 1980. Objective: To describe and assess the multi-channel cochlear implantation results at the Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, in southern Vietnam. Method: This was a descriptive case study. 94 patients (100 ears) had cochlear implantation with multi-channel devices from 2015-2017. Results: The incision, at 4 cm long, is similar to that used in normal ear surgery. Complications rates were 3.19%. The electrodes were inserted through the round window membrane in 44 cases. The operation time was approximately 105.67 minutes with some technical improvements. The cochleae included 94 normal (94%) and 6 (6%) abnormal cochleae (most with common cavity deformities). All cases were successful. Conclusions: Cochlear implantation with some technical improvements helps surgeons select the optimal technique for their patients and decreases operative and post-operative complications, while simultaneously shortening the surgery and hospitalization times.