The Temporoparietal Fascia Flap is an Effective Strategy for Cochlear Implant Wound Coverage

Objective: To report the rate of major soft tissue complications after cochlear implantation and to describe the use of the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap for such complications. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Tertiary care, University Hospital. Subjects and Methods: Chart revi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology rhinology & laryngology, 2020-02, Vol.129 (2), p.135-141
Main Authors: Leonhard, Lucas, Roche, Joseph, Wieland, Aaron, Pyle, G Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cochlear Implantation
Fascia
Female
Humans
Male
Postoperative Complications - surgery
Reoperation
Retrospective Studies
Surgical Flaps
Surgical Wound Dehiscence - surgery
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Objective: To report the rate of major soft tissue complications after cochlear implantation and to describe the use of the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap for such complications. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Tertiary care, University Hospital. Subjects and Methods: Chart review of all patients who underwent cochlear device implantation over a 5-year period to identify patients and to determine the rate of soft tissue complications. Five patients with major soft tissue complications underwent TPF flap with device salvage or explantation/reimplantation. Results: The rate of major skin complications was 6 out of 281 (2.1%) over 5 years, with 5 patients undergoing TPF flap. The average follow-up was 25.8 months (range, 5-58 months). TPF flap represented the definitive, successful solution for all 5 patients. One postoperative hematoma occurred after TPF flap, with no long-term sequelae. The average hospital length of stay was 2.2 nights (range, 1-5 nights). One patient required IV antibiotics for 4 weeks; the remaining patients were treated with a postoperative course of oral antibiotics. The original device remained in place for 4 patients, while one case required device explantation and staged re-implantation. Post-TPF flap hearing results were equal to if not superior to their preoperative results. Conclusion: Major soft tissue complications following cochlear device implantation are rare. The temporoparietal fascia flap is an excellent option for reconstruction of device site soft tissue dehiscences when local wound care and primary closure are not sufficient, and can potentially prevent explantation of a functional implant.
ISSN:0003-4894
1943-572X
DOI:10.1177/0003489419877429