Bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation in children: Surgical considerations

Problem: The advantages of bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation include: the possibility to pre-empt cochlear calcification following meningitis; reduction of the intervention to only one procedure, general anaesthetic and course of clinical care (with obvious benefits for the patient); and greater cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages of such a procedure include: doubling the risk of associated complications; placing the patient on the implanted side during contralateral implantation; the possibility of vestibular alteration simultaneously in both ears; the need for precise planning of symmetrical incisions and implant sites; and longer surgery time.Methods: The study cohort included 10 children who underwent bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation using the suprameatal approach.Results: The overall operation time, inclusive of anaesthesia, was approximately three hours in all cases. None of the children had any intra- or post-operative complications.Conclusions: From a surgical perspective, bilateral, simultaneous cochlear implantation is a safe procedure. The use of a non-mastoidectomy approach is recommended.