Simultaneous repair of cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea and cochlear implantation in two patients with recurrent meningitis and severe inner ear malformation.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the outcomes of simultaneous cochlear implantation and repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in two patients with inner ear malformations following meningitis. METHODS: In this retrospective study and review of the literature, two patients with recurrent meningitis and severe inner ear malformation underwent cochlear implantation via the round window, and repair of CSF otorrhea via a transmastoid lateral semicircular canal approach. Both patients were treated with antibiotics for 7 days after the surgery. RESULTS: Neither patient has exhibited evidence of CSF otorrhea 1 year after surgical repair. Categorical Auditory Performance (CAP) scores and the Speech Intelligibility Ratings (SIRs) were obtained before and 1 year after surgery the scores were 0 versus 4 and 0 versus 2, respectively. Vestibular function tests of both patients were reviewed and were normal. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous repair of CSF otorrhea and cochlear implantation in patients with recurrent meningitis and severe inner ear malformation can be regarded as safe and effective.