Complications after cochlear implantation in adult patients: a retrospective study.

Objective: To examine the complication rate in adult patients during and after cochlear implantation.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who had undergone cochlear implantation at a tertiary referral centre between 2009 and 2018. All complications and their treatments were categorised as either minor or major, as well as intra- or post-operative.
Results: The records of 392 patients with 395 implants were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 89 ± 65.5 months (range, 6-408 months). The mean age of patients was 46 ± 15.2 years (range, 19-84 years). Sixty-two patients (16 per cent) had minor complications and 31 (8 per cent) had major complications.
Conclusion: Although cochlear implantation has the potential for significant intra- and post-operative complications, the actual complication rate is relatively low, and it can therefore be considered a safe procedure.