Epicutaneous patch test—A new diagnostic option to prevent the rejection of silicone-covered cochlear implants in children

ObjectivesCochlear implantation (CI) is a revolutionary method for hearing rehabilitation in patients with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss. One of the surgical complications may be the necrosis of the skin flap above the receiver-stimulator coil, resulting in device extrusion. Our aim was to find the plausible causes of the silicone covered implant rejection.Patients and methodsAuthors present four cases of cochlear implant rejection, briefly describe their dermato-surgical solutions and analyse their innovative method – the epicutanoeus patch testing with silicone samples.ResultsThey observed positive skin reaction in three of the four cases.ConclusionAuthors analyse the applicability and results of their surgical solutions and the epicutaneous testing in connection with the prevention of skin flap necrosis and rejection of silicone-covered cochlear implants.