The operation
The surgery for insertion of a cochlear implant is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes 2 to 3 hours.
The Incision
A small amount of hair is shaved from the operation site and a vertical "S" shaped incision is performed a few centimetres behind the ear.
Cortical Mastoidectomy
The skull behind the ear canal is called the Mastoid and contains a honeycomb of air pockets that connect through to the middle ear and the nose via the Eustachian tube. Using a drill, these air pockets are opened up to expose the deeper structures.
Posterior Tympanotomy
In the deep part of the Mastoid are two important nerves, the Chorda Tympani and the Facial Nerve. The bone between these nerves is gently removed allowing a direct view of the bone covering the cochlea.
Bed Preparation
Further back on the skull a shallow pit is drilled in the skull. The receiver-stimulator part of the implant will sit in this pit at the end of the operation.
Cochleostomy
A hole 1 to 1.5 mm (depending on the type of electrode being used) is then created through the bone of the cochlea to enable access to its chambers.
Implant Insertion
The electrode array is gently inserted into the cochlea. An additional ground electrode is tucked under some scalp muscle and the implant fitted to recess in the skull bone.
Closure
The wound is sutured closed in layers and a bandage fitted around the head.
Following the operation
You will stay in hospital for 1 to 2 days. During this time you will be given intravenous antibiotics. Occasionally a longer stay is needed if you experience problems such as dizziness. Patients are not discharged from hospital until they are well enough to go home. An X-ray is usually taken the day after surgery to check the position of the implant.
A few days after the operation a "Telemetry" check is performed to ensure the cochlear implant is working as expected. You will also see your surgeon approximately one week after the operation to check your progress and to remove the sutures.