Postoperative Complications Following Cochlear Implantation: a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on a Novel Program at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and types of postoperative complications in patients undergoing cochlear implantation at a tertiary care hospital.
Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of ENT, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from April 2017 to May 2022.
Methods: All patients who underwent cochlear implantation during the study period were included. Surgeries were performed by three surgeons with comparable experience using a standardized postauricular transmastoid approach and a uniform perioperative and postoperative protocol. Patients were assessed for immediate and delayed complications during hospitalization and follow-up visits. Complications were classified as major (requiring surgical intervention or device replacement) or minor (managed conservatively). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and descriptive statistics were used to calculate frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 324 patients underwent cochlear implantation. Of these, 190 (58.6%) were below 5 years of age, 122 (37.6%) were between 5–12 years, and 12 (3.7%) were older than 12 years. Postoperative complications were observed in 41 patients (12.65%). Major complications occurred in 19 patients (5.86%), and minor complications in 22 patients (6.79%). Device failure was the most common major complication occurring in 4 patients (1.23%). The most frequent minor complications were tympanic membrane perforation and minor wound infection, each occurring in 4 patients (1.23%). No cases of meningitis or mortality were reported.
Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is a safe and effective surgical procedure for auditory rehabilitation in patients with profound hearing loss. The overall complication rate in this study was 12.65%, with most complications being minor and manageable. Careful surgical technique and standardized perioperative protocols help minimize complications and improve patient outcomes.

How to cite this: Ali M, Khokhar MR, Niazi KOK, Malik KZ, Malik UA, Akram J. Postoperative Complications Following Cochlear Implantation: a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on a Novel Program at a Tertiary Care Hospital. Life and Science. 2026; 7(3): 306-311. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.859