Cochlear Implant Complications in a Tertiary Referral Center in Istanbul

Objective: All surgeons should inform the patients about complications and also their clinic's complication rates of cochlear implantation (CI). We aimed to review the complications of CI in 1,148 pediatric and adult patients. Methods: It is a retrospective case review study enrolled in a tertiary referral center in Istanbul where CI was mostly performed. A total of 1,148 pediatric and adult CIs (unilateral or bilateral CI and revision surgery) performed by the same experienced surgeon in our institution were examined. Complications were noted as major and minor. Results: The mean age of first CI of 702 children and 157 adult patients was 10.2 years (1-75 years). The overall complication rate was 13.68%, comprising 8.28% of minor and 5.4% of major complications. Swelling (wound seroma or hematoma) was the most common minor complication. The most common cause of major complications was related to implanted devices. Despite the high rates of minor complications in children, there was no statistically significant difference between children and adults (p = 0,194). Conclusions: Our clinic has a low major complication rate. Surgeons should be aware of postoperative complications, apply appropriate procedures, and inform patients about their surgical complication rates.