A Comparative Study of Surgical Outcomes in Children with Cochlear Implantation Using Posterior Tympanotomy & Modified Veria Technique

Purpose: To compare the two common approaches of cochlear implantations i.e., mastoidectomy with posterior tympanotomy approach (MPTA) and modified veria technique and to know whether veria technique and its later modifications are as efficacious as the classic approach in terms of duration of procedure, gain in hearing and acquisition and incidence of complications if any. Methods: A prospective comparative study was undertaken at a tertiary care teaching institute. 30 children were selected and randomised into 2 groups who then underwent surgery from the same surgeon after proper evaluation but with 2 different approaches. Their outcomes were then observed and compared in terms of surgical technique and complications and hearing outcomes. Results: 30 children were operated with 15 in each group. In the study, patients under Group A (MPTA) had mean surgical duration of 139.67 ± 16.53 min while Group B (modified Veria) had of 84.67 ± 11.72 min, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). 1 patient in Group A suffered House Brackman grade 4 facial nerve injury that recovered over 3 months and another had discolouration of the skin flap. No complications were observed in group B. During follow-up CAP and SIR scores were compared and were found to be statistically non-significant between the 2 groups (p value > 0.05), but the paired differences within each group showed statistical significance (P value- <0.001). Conclusion: Veria Technique (and its later modifications) for cochlear implantation is a simple, safe and easy procedure, which is as efficacious as MPTA with added benefits of consuming lesser surgical duration.