Objective: This study details the intra-operative complications, and compares auditory scales post-implantation of either profoundly deaf young children with radiologically normal inner ears (group A) or children with Mondini dysplasia (group B).
Methods: A retrospective survey was carried out of 338 patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who underwent cochlear implant surgery from February 2015 to May 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 27 patients each. Both groups were followed up to three years post-implantation.
Results: Cerebrospinal fluid ooze developed in 12 patients, and 2 patients had a cerebrospinal fluid 'gusher', one of which had to be explored within 24 hours. After implant use for one year, both groups had similar speech perception scores.
Conclusion: The cerebrospinal fluid gusher in Mondini dysplasia should be anticipated and adequately managed intra-operatively. This study highlights the tailoring of a post-implantation rehabilitation programme according to individual needs.
Keywords: Cerebrospinal Fluid; Cochlear Implants.