Surgical Audit of Revision Cochlear Implantation: An Armed Forces Experience
摘要
Cochlear implantation (CI) is a well-established, highly effective, and safe procedure for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Nevertheless, as with any surgical intervention, particularly implant surgery, post-operative challenges may arise due to various factors. This study presents a surgical audit of revision surgeries performed at an Armed Forces CI center. A retrospective analysis was conducted on CI cases performed at the Armed Forces CI center over a 7-year period (October 2016 to September 2023). Data were reviewed to assess intra-operative and post-operative complications, as well as the incidence and causes of unplanned revision surgeries. Out of total 315 CI, 19 (6.03%) required revision surgery due to device-related (n = 10) and non-device-related (n = 9) causes. Surgical site infection (1.9%) and device failure were the most frequent indications. The mean hospital stay was 3.67 days. Surgical audit provides an objective evaluation of the quality of surgical care against established standards. It should remain straightforward, focusing on accurate data collection, essential analysis, and open discussion to facilitate self-assessment and improvement. Although surgical site infections (SSI) and revision surgeries are infrequent in the Armed Forces setting, they present significant challenges requiring the expertise of a dedicated CI team. Regular follow-up, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management remain key to optimal outcomes.