Local anesthesia for cochlear implant surgery: low risks for the patient and few costs for the hospital, a rational alternative.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to illustrate the possibility of performing a cochlear implant with local anesthesia and sedation, the anesthesic technique and the advantages of that in comparison to a general anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe two successful surgeries done with local anesthesia, including the neural telemetry and the conditions the patient presented after the surgery, with a very good recovery and no complications during and after the procedure. RESULTS: The results of these two surgeries are described regarding the fast recovery, no symptoms of dizziness and vomiting after the surgeries, discharging from the hospital on the same day, and the immediate post operative period by meaning of complaints from the patient. CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia with sedation for cochlear implant surgery in adults is a very good alternative for lowering the morbidity of the patient, fewer risks, lower costs for the hospital, with a very good control of the surgery.