Objective: To report complications related to flap around implants after cochlear implantation, possible causes of such complications and treatments.
Methods and material: We performed a retrospective analysis of children in whom complications related to flap around implants occurred after undergoing cochlear implantation in our department from 2005 to 2016.
Results: Complications among 1500 cochlear implantation (CI) recipients by the same surgeon included hematoma (n = 20) and seroma around implants (n = 15), of which most (n = 10) recovered in 2 weeks after effective drainage, utility of antibiotics and pressure dressing, but 5 developed flap necrosis and had to undergo contralateral re-implantation. Four patients developed abscess around implants, of whom 2 recovered after 2 weeks of drainage, gentamicin irrigation and use of antibiotics, but 2 patients ended up with flap necrosis and had to receive contralateral reimplantation.
Conclusions: Immediate drainage, pressure dressing and antibiotics can be used to effectively control seroma around implants. For seroma lasting for more than two weeks without improvement, surgical drainage may be need.
Keywords: Cochlear implant; Complications; Flap-related problem.