Results of Baha® implantation using a small horizontal incision

PurposeTechniques for Baha® implantation continue to evolve. The Weber technique, utilizing a 1.5 cm horizontal incision for Baha® implantation is evaluated.MethodsRetrospective review of patients undergoing Baha® implantation by a single surgeon over three years.Results33 Baha®s implanted in 30 patients. Fourteen used an Inverted J (IJ) incision with an anteriorly-based skin-flap, 13 with the Weber technique (W). Five were not included as other techniques were used. Demographics and weeks to activation (14.58 vs 13.4, p = 0.12) were similar. There were no differences in the number of patients with minor complications (5 vs 2, p = 0.22) or number of minor complications (20 vs 4, p = 0.09). One patient in the IJ Group required operative revision for overgrowth. There were no infections in the IJ Group, and one requiring oral antibiotics in the W Group. Follow-up was longer in the IJ Group (41 vs 13 weeks, p = 0.016), no complications occurred after 14 weeks post-op. Mean operative times were similar (43 vs 39 min, p = 0.59). There were no cases of skin flap necrosis in either group.ConclusionA small incision for Baha® implantation proved as effective, without increased complications as a skin-flap based technique.