Surgical duration of cochlear implantation in an academic university-based practice

ObjectiveEstablish the time to safely and efficiently perform cochlear implantation (CI) in a university-based academic center.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic neurotologic referral center.Patients424 patients who underwent CI surgery between 2002 and 2010.InterventionUnilateral, bilateral or revision CI using commercially available devices approved for use in the United States.Main outcome measures: mean surgical duration (SD) and mean total operative room time (TORT).ResultsOverall mean SD for all 424 patients was 83 ± 30 min (min) whereas the mean TORT was 135 ± 56 min. The mean SD for unilateral CI was 84 ± 18 min for the first implant and 82 ± 22 min for the second implant (p = 0.55). The SD for primary and revision CI was 83 ± 18 min and 85 ± 36 min, respectively (p = 0.51). The mean SD for pediatric and adult CI was 83 ± 21 min and 83 ± 18 min, respectively (p = 0.92). The mean SD without resident assistance was 74 ± 14 min whereas with the assistance of a resident the mean SD was 84 ± 20 min (p = 0.02). When ossification was encountered the mean SD was 90 ± 32 min compared to 82 ± 19 min when absent (p < 0.001). An association was found between TORT or SD, and the year of surgery, presence of ossification and the involvement of an assistant.ConclusionIn a university-based academic center, CI surgery can be safely and efficiently performed, supporting future cost-effectiveness analysis of its current practice.