Bhopal Technique of Cochlear Implantation: A Surgical Review of 50 Cases

Cochlear Implant is the new age treatment for profound deafness especially in children who are unable to hear since birth. This is a life changing technology where in a surgically implanted device can stimulate the auditory nerve through electrical currents enabling the generation of auditory potential. Various surgical techniques have been described in literature but debate exists over Posterior Tympanotomy and Trans-canal "Veria" technique. We are presenting our experience of 50 cases with modified trans-canal technique "The Bhopal Technique" which combines the best of both. 50 patients with bilateral profound deafness in age group 1-5 years were included in this observational study. These children underwent cochlear implantation by Bhopal Technique. The data was categorised into age, gender, certain surgical parameters like time taken; exposure and complications. In present study. The average time taken for surgery was 77.6 min, with electrode insertion in first attempt in about 43 cases. Round Window exposure was adequate in 37 cases while scala tympani was entered in 49 cases. Average time taken for cochleostomy was 44.6 s. Most common complication was wound hyperemia followed by Perilymph Gusher. Explantation was seen in 1 case. Minor complications included Vertigo and Tinnitus. There was one tympanic membrane perforation at 3 months follow up and response to AVT was excellent in 12 children at 6 month follow up. Bhopal technique is emerging as a promising technique for upcoming cochlear implant surgeons due to its low complication rate, better exposure of surgical landmarks and comparable outcomes to Veria and Posterior tympanotomy techniques.