Pediatric Bilateral Cochlear Implantation: Simultaneous Versus Sequential Surgery

Objective: To compare outcomes of bilateral cochlear implantation between simultaneous and sequential surgeries. Study Design: Retrospective study of surgical outcome for 54 children who received bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) over a five-year period. Setting: Tertiary health care Patients: We analyze surgical outcomes for 54 children who received two CIs over a five-year period. Thirty-two of these children received these implants simultaneously and 22 of these children received their implants sequentially (76 CI operations and 108 CI). Intervention: One hundred and eight CIs; Group A-bilateral simultaneous CI; Group B-bilateral sequential CI. Main Outcome Measures: Measurement of body temperature; recording drug administration measurement of the total length of hospital stay, surgery time, and total operating room utilization; recording complications. Results: Simultaneous bilateral CI-implantation is associated with a significantly reduced cumulative surgical time and cumulative operating room time. It shortens the total inpatient stay for children in comparison to sequential implantations. There were no clinically significant, adverse consequences of simultaneous implant surgery. Further information include medical history including cochlear malformations as well as complications after the surgery, use of analgesic and antiemetic medication and length of hospital stay. Conclusions: Simultaneous bilateral surgery is a safe option of pediatric cochlear implantation.