Management of delayed-onset skin flap complications after pediatric cochlear implantation.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To review delayed-onset skin flap complications associated with pediatric cochlear implantation (CI) in our institute, analyze the etiology, and explore effective treatment strategies.

METHODS:

Retrospective analyses of 811 children who had undergone cochlear implantation between January 2003 and March 2019 were performed. Twelve (1.48%) patients developed skin flap complications after CI. We present a classification of flap issues and wound histopathology following cochlear implantation. The interventions for flap problems included drug treatment, aspiration, local wound care, revision surgery, and explantation depending on the clinical situation. The temporalis myofascial reconstructive option is discussed.

RESULTS:

Seven subjects were cured with conservative treatment. Five cases with flap infection or necrosis underwent revision surgery, with wound closure in three cases (60%) and revision surgery with explantation in the remaining two cases (40%). Explantation ultimately led to wound healing in all cases. They all achieved excellent performance through re-implantation.

CONCLUSION:

Flap complications after CI are rare but treatable. Comprehensive treatments should be developed to achieve a stable and healed wound for CI.

• Authors: Qingling Bi, Zhongyan Chen, Yong Lv, Jie Luo, Naya Wang, Yuan Li
• Journal: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol) Vol. 278 Issue 8 Pg. 2753-2761 (Aug 2021) ISSN: 1434-4726 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 32918139 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Child
• Cochlear Implantation
• Cochlear Implants
• Humans
• Postoperative Complications (surgery, therapy)
• Reoperation
• Retrospective Studies
• Surgical Flaps