Prevention and treatment of skin complications following BAHA implantation / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the skin complications of 16 cases received bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantations, and the clinical experience for prevention and treatment skin complications following BAHA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospective review 16 patients who received BAHA implantation from December 2010 to March 2013, and summarize the complications and treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four patients (1/4) suffered from skin complications. According to Holgers classification, two patients (1/8) had a Holgers Grade 1-2 skin reaction and cured by local application of antibiotics. Two patients (1/8) experienced Holgers Grade 3 skin reaction received revision surgeries for excessive soft tissue growth. One patient replaced the BAHA abutment with a longer 9.0mm one.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Infection and skin overgrowth around the abutment was the common complications of BAHA implantation. Standardize the peri-operative managements, and clean the skin regularly would prevent the skin complication. Additional surgical intervention should be applied timely in the cases of severe complications.</p>