Pediatric cochlear reimplantation: Decision-tree efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

The context leading to pediatric cochlear reimplantation (CreI) can be complex. The objectives of this study were to define initial CreI indications, analyze final diagnosis and draw up a decision-tree.

METHODS

A retrospective study included patients undergoing CreI between 2005 and 2015. Demographic characteristics, CreI circumstances and technical reports were collected. Circumstances indicating CreI were classified in 3 groups: performance decrement, suspected device failure, or medical. After CreI, final diagnoses were classified in 2 groups: confirmed failure (DFail) or medical (DMed).

RESULTS

69 out of 734 cochlear implantation surgeries were for CreI (8%). Manufacturers' reports were available in 64 cases (93%). Two principal causes were found: trauma and infection. Initial indications were: performance decrement: 27%; device failure: 56%; and medical: 17%. Final diagnoses were: DFail: 72%; and DMed: 28%. Initial indication and final diagnosis were similar in 86% of cases. The majority of the 14% initial indication errors belonged to the "performance decrement" group. Traumatic causes correlated with risk of initial indication error (P=0.039).

CONCLUSION

Apart from spontaneous device failure, the two causes of CreI were infection and trauma. Using the present decision algorithm, half of the complex cases were resolved after CreI.