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.