Cochlear implant surgery: Minimally invasive technique

Minimally invasive cochlear implant surgery has become the mainstay of most experienced centers. Although more difficult for surgeons to perform than traditional techniques, advantages include reduced blood loss and tissue trauma, improved cosmesis, less hair removal, and reduced surgical times. Patient satisfaction with the smaller incision reflects positively on the operative surgeon when compared with traditional techniques. Bilateral implantation and younger age at implantation make the advantages of minimally invasive techniques more appealing. Minimally invasive techniques are being extended to include entrance to the inner ear via cochleostomy as hearing preservation cochlear implant surgery comes into existence. This article gives a detailed description of surgical technique.