Management of exposed cochlear implants: Two cases of salvaging implants using rotational scalp flap and galeal flap

Abstract

Cochlear implant (CI) is an effective surgical option for managing severe sensorineural hearing loss. Among the postoperative complications, implant exposure has been considered as one of the most threatening and serious complications. Conventionally, replacing a new device after a removal of the exposed one has been well known to be performed. Salvaging the exposed implant without explanta-tion can be challenging and beneficial and recently has been reported as an alternative management option. Here, we report our experience salvaging two cases of exposed cochlear implants using a rotational scalp flap reconstruction combined with implant coverage with a galeal flap.