Tailed Palva flap in the subperiosteal pocket technique for cochlear implantation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the subperiosteal pocket technique has become popular for minimal access cochlear implantation. Many incision techniques have been described in cochlear implantation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the safety and reliability of a new periosteal incision, called tailed Palva incision, in cochlear implantation. METHODS: A total of 280 patients who underwent cochlear implantation with the subperiosteal pocket technique between June 2008 and January 2013 were included in the study. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for between 11 and 74 months (mean ± standard deviation = 34 ± 19 months). No intracranial complications were seen during or after the operations. Additionally, there was no migration of the receiver-stimulator. Revision surgery was performed in eight patients (3 per cent), one of whom (0.4 per cent) had local flap failure and infection. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the tailed Palva incision facilitates easy insertion of the implant and, by creating a one-way obscured pocket, this technique also enhances stabilisation of the receiver-stimulator, thereby avoiding anterior migration.