@article{2995896,
    title = "Cochlear implantation in atelectasis and chronic otitis media: Long-term follow-up",
    author = "Xenellis, J. and Nikolopoulos, T.P. and Marangoudakis, P. and Vlastarakos, P.V. and Tsangaroulakis, A. and Ferekidis, E.",
    journal = "Otology and Neurotology",
    year = "2008",
    volume = "29",
    number = "4",
    pages = "499-501",
    doi = "10.1097/MAO.0b013e31816a8986",
    keywords = "adult;  aged;  article;  atelectasis;  auditory tube;  blind sac closure;  chronic otitis media;  clinical article;  clinical trial;  cochlea prosthesis;  ear disease;  external auditory canal;  female;  follow up;  human;  implantation;  local anesthesia;  male;  mastoidectomy;  otitis media;  postoperative complication;  priority journal;  reoperation;  surgical technique;  atelectasis;  chronic disease;  cochlea;  computer assisted tomography;  middle aged;  otitis media;  perception deafness;  radiography, Aged;  Atelectasis;  Chronic Disease;  Cochlea;  Cochlear Implantation;  Cochlear Implants;  Female;  Follow-Up Studies;  Hearing Loss, Sensorineural;  Humans;  Male;  Middle Aged;  Otitis Media;  Tomography, X-Ray Computed",
    abstract = "OBJECTIVE:: To report the long-term results of cochlear implantation in cases with chronic otitis media or atelectasis using a single surgical technique performed in a single cochlear implant center. PATIENTS:: Nine patients who were implanted using the blind-pit closure of the external ear canal technique (4 patients with adhesive otitis media and 5 with radical mastoid cavities). Follow-up ranged from 18 months to 12 years (mean, 7.05 yr). INTERVENTION:: The surgical procedure was performed in 2 stages. The first stage included canal wall down or lowering any high facial ridge in previous mastoidectomies, removal of all skin, and blind-pit closure of the external ear canal without mastoid cavity obliteration or eustachian tube obliteration. Cochlear implantation was performed 6 months after the first surgical procedure. RESULTS:: All operations were uneventful, and during cochlear implantation, as a second stage, no epithelia or other problems were encountered. No serious complications were encountered during the follow-up period. One case had a minor disruption of the external canal closure that was reclosed successfully under local anesthesia. All patients were using the device at the last follow-up interval with no device problems. CONCLUSION:: Blind-sac closure of the external ear canal without obliteration is a rather safe surgical procedure in cases with chronic otitis media or atelectasis. Meticulous surgical technique and proper patient selection are of paramount importance. However, a 2-stage procedure may not always be necessary andmight best be confined to those patients who have active inflammatory disease at the primary procedure. © 2008, Otology & Neurotology, Inc."
}