Occipital artery based myocutaneous flap repair for cochlear implant extrusion- How I do it
Abstract
Introduction: Cochlear implant extrusion is a challenging complication to manage. It needs meticulous planning, antibiotic cover and a good vascularized tissue covering. Occipital artery based myocutaneous flap is used to cover tissue defects in neurosurgery and oncosurgery practice and the results are widely accepted. In ENT practice we can safely utilize this versatile and reliable flap to achieve good tissue cover over an extruded cochlear implant.
Objective: To improve confidence and share experience to achieve better outcomes when dealing with complications after cochlear implantation.
Method: Occipital artery based flap is used to cover the tissue defects as an axial flap over the exposed implant after antibiotic cover, with the Consultant microbiologist’s guidance to overcome biofilm resistance and a through wound debridement.
Results: Good healing achieved with a thick scalp skin cover.
Conclusion: In ENT practice we can safely utilize this versatile and reliable flap to achieve good tissue cover over an extruded cochlear implant.
© 2023 S. P. P. Kumara, K. D. N. U. D. Jayasena, R. P. T. Rajapaksha, H. M. S. B. Ethulgama, published by College of Otorhinolaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgeons of Sri Lanka
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