Cochlear implantation in patients with otitis media-related diseases

Objective To evaluate the indications, surgical techniques and complications of cochlear implantation in patients with otitis media-related diseases. Methods Retrospective study of the data collected from patients receiving cochlear implantation. Totally 866 cases of cochlear implantation were performed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 1995 to February 2006. Among which, 41 patients with otitis media-related diseases were grouped into 5 types: chronic secretory otitis media(13 cases), silent (subclinical) otitis media (18 cases), dry eardrum perforation (1 case),bilateral cholesteatoma of middle ear (2 cases) and middle ear granuloma (7 cases). Seven cases were accompanied with deformities of middle ear and (or) inner ear. Pedicled aponeurosis of occipitofrontalis muscle was transplanted to cover and protect the inserted electrodes and facial nerve in a patient with bilateral cholesteatoma after radical mastoidectomy. Results All the 41 patients with otitis media-related diseases were successfully implanted in one stage or staged operations and followed up uneventfully for 5 months to 6 years and 11 months. All implant devices had worked normally and all patients had performed well. Conclusions Patients with chronic secretory otitis media, silent (subclinical) otitis media,middle ear granuloma or dry ear-drum perforation could be operated in one stage or staged procedures safely and effectively.Patients with bilateral cholesteatoma could be implanted after radical removal of related lesions. Pedicled aponeurosis of occipitofrontalis muscle could be transplanted in cases of mastoid bowl to cover and protect the inserted electrodes and the exposed facial nerve and with easy access to observe the mastoid cavity. Active suppurative otitis media was contraindicated for cochlear implantation. Long-term following-up was essential for better evaluation of the outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with otitis media-related diseases.