Effectiveness of endoscopy in cochlear implantation.

Objective: Determine the effectiveness of endoscopy in cochlear implantation as compared to microscopy.

Method: Study comparing microscopy and endoscopy in cochlear implant placement in 34 patients (23 endoscopic implants and 20 implants via microscopy), between 2014 and 2019, at the Centro Medico Naval, Mexico City. The study was performed under informed consent and according to the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS).

Results: Of the 34 patients, 12 were children or adolescents and 22 were adults. The visualization of the round window classified via microscopy per St. Thomas Hospital's classification showed that type IIB prevailed in 30.2% of patients, and type III in 41.9%, and when using the endoscope, the round window was observed in full in 82.6% of patients (type I), and type IIA was only observed in 17.4% (four patients). The number of attempts made to place the cochlear implant was greater with the microscope. The time to insertion of the electrode was 1.6 minutes. No differences were observed (p > 0.05) in the number of inpatient days. Cochleostomy was more frequent when using the microscope.

Conclusions: Endoscopy is an effective resource in cochlear implantation for posterior tympanotomy, with no complications observed, offering greater safety in inserting the electrode through the round window.