Abstract
Abstract Objective: To report complications related to the flap around cochlear implants and to discuss the possible causes and treatment options. Method and Materials: This is a retrospective review of 264 of cochlear implant of pediatric and adult patients operated in our center during the period from April 2013 to April 2021, with review of complications related to flap around the implant, complications are divided into minor and major complications Minor complications include skin infection, wound dehiscence without exposure of the implant, wound seroma and hematoma. Major complications include flap necrosis and implant extrusion. Results: Among 264 cochlear implant recipient 10 cases of seroma and/or hematoma, 9 of them treated with aspiration and one by surgical evacuation, compression and I/V antibiotics and they recovered completely, 7 cases of wound infection, delayed wound healing and wound dehiscence without exposure of the implant treated with daily dressing, debridement and intravenous antibiotics. 2 patients suffered with flap necrosis and extrusion of the implant, one of them presented after 3 years of surgery, treated with transposition of the implant, secured with a vascularized peri cranial flap based upon temporalis muscle and rotation skin flap, the other patient presented 2 weeks after surgery and ended with explantation. Conclusion: Complications related to flap in CI are considered uncommon with incidence of 7 %. In our study, only 0.75% of them are major complication. We consider the age, sex and preceding upper respiratory tract infection with acute otitis media and head trauma as possible related factors in these complications. Management of complications of CI should start with prevention and early detection and treatment of any wound infection, hematoma, and seroma. Keywords: Flap; Cochlear; Implant; Complications