Pediatric cochlear implants and myringotomy tubes: a systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate the intraoperative findings and post-operative complications associated with patients who have current or history of myringotomy tubes undergoing a cochlear implantation.

Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement were followed. Studies from Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were included. Studies were independently screened and analyzed by 2 reviewers. Publications assessing pediatric patients with current or history of myringotomy tubes at time of cochlear implantation were reviewed. Discrepancies were resolved by a team of 4 reviewers.

Results: 172 studies were screened, 15 met inclusion criteria, and 12 were incorporated into the study. All 12 of the studies were retrospective cohort studies. Meta-analysis showed no significant relationship between intraoperative findings at time of cochlear implantation (presence of effusion, granulation tissue, edematous middle ear tissue) and myringotomy tube insertion (p = 0.63). Additionally, there was no significant relationship between current or history of myringotomy tube and acute otitis media episode after CI (p = 0.25).

Conclusion: There was no association noted between perioperative outcomes of pediatric cochlear implantation and myringotomy tube. This information will be helpful for surgeons planning to perform cochlear implantation in the pediatric population.