Using autogenous mastoid cortical bone cap to cover the mastoidectomy defect during cochlear implantation

ObjectivesAssessment of autogenous mastoid cortical bone cap to cover the mastoidectomy defect via transmastoid and posterior tympanotomy approach surgical technique during cochlear implantation.MethodsA chart review of the autogenous mastoid cortical bone cap to cover the mastoidectomy defect via transmastoid and posterior tympanotomy approach surgical technique in 540 patients undergoing cochlear implantation was undertaken from January 2010 and December 2013 in Anhui Provincial Hospital.ResultsThe mastoidectomy defect was reconstructed using autogenous cortical bone cap in all cochlear implantation patients. No depression was found in the postauricular site. None of the patients had experienced any immediate or delayed postoperative infection complication such as wound infection, post-auricular abscess or intracranial complication.ConclusionsThe technique of autogenous mastoid cortical bone cap to cover the mastoidectomy defect is a good option during cochlear implantation via transmastoid and posterior tympanotomy approach. It can prevents depression of the postauricular site, and also may be able to prevent infection of the wound and the implanted processor. Autogenous cortical bone cap is easy to handle, ready available, stable, resorption resisting, also cost-saving in cochlear implantation surgery.