An Analysis of Safety and Adverse Events Following Cochlear Implantation in Children Under 12 Months of Age

Day-case otology: Special attention to the pediatric cochlear implantation procedure

OBJECTIVE

Assess the feasibility of cochlear implantation as day-surgery in children and identify variables influencing admission, readmission, and unplanned postoperative consultation.

METHODS

This retrospective observational monocentric study was conducted according to the STROBE recommendations. Between January 2017 and July 2022, all medical records of children who underwent cochlear implantation were analyzed. Eligible children were admitted for the first time to the pediatric day-surgery unit. Exclusion criteria were children planned for inpatient procedure, bilateralization or explantation-reimplantation. Sex assigned at birth, analgesic medication, anesthesia and complications were related to categorical variables. Age, duration of anesthesia, length of stay and ASA score were related to continuous variables.

RESULTS

We included 66 children from a total of 106. Mean age was 53 months [SD: 46 months, range 8-184 months]. Successful day-surgery management was observed in 86% of cases. In 14% of cases, children were admitted to the pediatric ENT unit for the following reasons: late awakening in 6%, non-controlled pain in 4.5%, postoperative nausea and vomiting in 3.5% of cases. Univariate analysis did not observe any factor promoting success of day-surgery regarding anesthetic agents. Age was not statistically significant as a factor of ambulatory failure. Time spent in the operating room was not a determining factor (p = 0.559). None of the children were rehospitalized. Early unplanned consultations were observed in 3% of cases for vertex edema in 1 case and uncomplicated otorrhea in 1 case.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to the knowledge on pediatric cochlear implantation and suggests that this procedure is suitable for day-surgery at any age.

Are children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss receiving cochlear implants?

INTRODUCTION

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted its first approval for cochlear implants (CI) in children with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 1990. In 2019, the FDA expanded CI indications to include children with unilateral SNHL.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of children with unilateral SNHL in the population of new pediatric CI recipients between 2012 and 2021.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Pediatric database examined patients under 18 years of age with bilateral or unilateral SNHL who underwent CI between 2012 and 2021. Current Procedural Terminology code 69930 identified patients with 'cochlear device implantation, with or without mastoidectomy.' The percentage of children undergoing CI for unilateral versus bilateral SNHL during the study period was calculated and subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

9863 pediatric CI patients were included with a mean age of 5.1 (95 % CI 5.1-5.2) years at the time of implantation. 7.5 % (N = 739) of patients had unilateral SNHL and 92.5 % (N = 9124) had bilateral SNHL. Children with bilateral SNHL undergoing CI were significantly younger (5.0 years versus 6.9 years for those with unilateral SNHL, p < .001). There was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of children receiving CI for unilateral versus bilateral SNHL (3.3 % in 2012 to 14.3 % in 2021, p < .001) before and after the FDA changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of CIs placed for unilateral SNHL has increased annually even before 2019 when the FDA expanded its CI indications to include children with unilateral SNHL for the first time.

Subjective and Objective Taste Change After Cochlear Implantation Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

There is a paucity of data reporting the rate of chorda tympani nerve injury during cochlear implantation (CI) surgery. To better provide clarity to patients and surgeons regarding the risk of taste change, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies examining taste change after CI.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were queried.

METHODS

Databases were queried according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Search terms included "(chorda tympani OR gustatory OR taste OR chemosensory OR dysgeusia OR nervus intermedius) AND (cochlea OR cochlear implant OR cochlear implantation)." Prospective studies were included and further divided into "objective" and "subjective" assessments of taste dysfunction. A systematic review was performed for all studies. A random-effects model was used to compare studies with similar methods and patient demographics.

RESULTS

The initial database query yielded 2,437 articles, which were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nine appropriate studies were identified, including 442 total patients-254 with subjective assessment and 271 with objective assessment of gustation. Seventeen of 144 patients (11.8%) reported short-term taste change (incidence = 0.09 [0.02-0.16], 95% confidence interval with pooled data). Twenty-six of 265 patients (9.8%) reported long-term taste change (incidence = 0.07 [0.01-0.13]). Objective results were heterogenous and therefore not amenable to pooled meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Taste change from chorda tympani nerve injury is a likely underrecognized complication of CI and may be the most common adverse consequence of CI surgery. Surgeons should counsel prospective patients on this potential complication and that the risk of taste change may persist longer than the immediate postoperative period.

Age and Incidence of Cochlear Implantation in the Pediatric Population With Congenital Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVES

The current study characterizes age and incidence of cochlear implantation among qualifying children with congenital bilateral profound hearing loss in the U.S.

STUDY DESIGN

Deidentified cochlear implantation data were acquired from prospectively collected patient registries from two cochlear implant (CI) manufacturers (Cochlear Americas and Advanced Bionics). Children <36 months old were assumed to have congenital bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss.

SETTING

U.S. CI centers.

PATIENTS

Children <36 months old who received CIs.

INTERVENTIONS

Cochlear implantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Age at implantation and incidence.

RESULTS

A total of 4,236 children <36 months old underwent cochlear implantation from 2015 to 2019. The median age at implantation was 16 months (interquartile range, 12-24 mo) and did not change significantly during the 5-year study period (p = 0.09). Patients residing closer to CI centers (p = 0.03) and treated at higher-volume centers (p = 0.008) underwent implantation at a younger age. Bilateral simultaneous implantation increased from 38% to 53% of CI surgeries in 2015 and 2019, respectively. Children who received bilateral simultaneous CIs were younger compared with those receiving unilateral or bilateral sequential CIs (median, 14 versus 18 mo; p < 0.001). The incidence of cochlear implantation increased from 7,648 per 100,000 person-years in 2015 to 9,344 in 2019 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of pediatric CI recipients and the frequency of bilateral simultaneous implantation increased over the study period, age at implantation did not change significantly and far exceeded current Food and Drug Administration (9 mo) and American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery position statement (6-12 mo) guidelines.

Predictors of Surgical Site Infection in Pediatric Cochlear Implantation

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after cochlear implantation (CI) in pediatric patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

A total of 150 hospitals contributing data to the ACS-NSQIP Pediatric database (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) in North America and worldwide.

METHODS

Pediatric patients (aged <18 years) undergoing CI during the years 2012 to 2017 were identified in the ACS-NSQIP Pediatric database. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) of SSI (including superficial incisional, deep incisional, organ/space) occurring up to 30 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 79 SSIs occurred over a 5-year period (n = 5146). Longer operative time significantly increased the odds of SSI (OR, 1.965; 95% CI, 1.205-3.289). Younger age was also found to raise the odds of SSI, with decreased odds associated with each 6-month increase in age (OR, 0.887; 95% CI, 0.814-0.958).

CONCLUSION

Longer operative time and younger age appear to significantly increase the odds of SSI in pediatric CI. Body mass index, recent steroid use, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, bilateral vs unilateral implantation, and hospital length of stay do not appear to significantly influence SSI risk. These findings must be interpreted in the context of the limitations inherent to adverse events reporting, which are mitigated by the stringent manner of data collection by the ACS-NSQIP, and those inherent to the definition of SSI. Future prospective studies should investigate the impact of reducing operative time on the risk of SSI and other complications in pediatric CI.

Pediatric thyroglossal duct cyst excision: A NSQIP-P analysis of 30-day complications

OBJECTIVE

Identify and compare clinical risk factors, perioperative sequelae, and surgical complications of infants age 2 or younger to children above age 2 undergoing thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) excision.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement-Pediatric Database (2014-2018). Study population includes pediatric patients (≤18 years) who underwent excision of TGDC. Infants aged 2 years or younger were compared to children older than 2 years.

RESULTS

A total of 3052 cases were identified. There were 375 infants with an age of 2 years or younger and 2977 children who were older than 2 years. Mean age at time of surgery was 6.3 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.1. Following hospital discharge, there were 70 related readmissions and 3 related reoperations. There was no statistically significant gender (p = .270) or ethnic (p = .122) differences between groups. Additionally, a history of prematurity (p = .759) and postoperative admission status (ie, inpatient versus outpatient, p = .697) were not statistically significantly different between groups. Lastly, general complication rates between age groups including Clostridium difficile colitis, occurrences of bleeding and blood transfusion, surgical site infections, related readmission, and reoperation were not statistically significantly different.

CONCLUSION

TGDC excision was not shown to be associated with increased risk when performed in infants age 2 or younger compared to children older than age 2.

Prevalence of Surgical, Anesthetic, and Device-related Complications Among Infants Implanted Before 9 and 12 Months of Age Versus Older Children: Evidence for the Continued Expansion of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Candidacy Criteria

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of surgical, anesthetic, and device-related complications among infants and older children receiving cochlear implantation (CI).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary academic referral center.

PATIENTS

Pediatric patients who underwent CI from November 1990 to January 2020.

INTERVENTION

CI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Surgical, anesthetic, and device-related complication rates were compared by age group (<12 versus 12-23 versus 24+ months with subset analysis of <9 versus 9-11 months).

RESULTS

A total of 406 primary pediatric CI surgeries encompassing 482 ears were analyzed, including 45 ears in 23 patients implanted less than 9 months and 89 ears in 49 patients less than 12 months. No anesthetic complications occurred. Postoperative surgical and device-related complication rates were not significantly different among the less than 12, 12 to 23, and 24+ month groups (16% versus 16% versus 12%; p = 0.23) or between the less than 9 and 9 to 11 month groups (22% versus 9%; p = 0.09). Thirty-day readmission was significantly higher for patients less than 12 months compared with patients 24+ months (6% versus <1%; p = 0.011), but was not significantly higher compared with patients 12 to 23 months (6% versus 3%; p = 0.65). Reoperation rates did not differ significantly among the less than 12, 12 to 23, and 24+ month groups (10% versus 7% versus 6%; p = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of surgical, anesthetic, and device related complications was not significantly different among infants implanted less than 9 or less than 12 months of age when compared with older children. These data provide evidence for the continued expansion of pediatric cochlear implant candidacy criteria to include appropriately selected infants less than 9 months of age.

JT, Waltzman SB. Cochlear Implantation in Infants: Evidence of Safety

The aim of this study was to investigate surgical, anesthetic, and device-related complications associated with cochlear implantation (CI) in children younger than 1 year of age. This was a multicenter, retrospective chart review of all children with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who underwent cochlear implantation with a Cochlear Nucleus Implant System before 1 year of age. Endpoints included perioperative course, major and minor surgical, anesthetic and device-related complications, and 30-day readmission rates. One hundred thirty-six infants (242 ears) met criteria. The mean age at implantation was 9.4 months (standard deviation 1.8). Six-month follow-up was reported in all patients. There were no major anesthetic or device-related complications. Adverse events were reported in 34 of implanted ears (14%; 7 major, 27 minor). Sixteen adverse events occurred ≤30 days of surgery, and 18 occurred >30 days of surgery. The 30-day readmission rate was 1.5%. The rate of adverse events did not correlate with preexisting medical comorbidities or duration under anesthesia. There was no significant difference detected in complication rate for patients younger than 9 months of age versus those 9 to 11 months of age. This study demonstrates the safety of CI surgery in infants and supports reducing the indication for cochlear implantation to younger than 1 year of age for children with bilateral, profound sensorineural hearing loss obtaining a Cochlear Nucleus Implant System.

Clinical evaluation of cochlear implantation in children younger than 12 months of age

IMPORTANCE

Cochlear implantation (CI) is an effective therapy for patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. It remains controversial whether children younger than 12 months of age should undergo CI.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CI in children younger than 12 months of age.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of clinical data of pediatric patients younger than 12 months of age who underwent CI and were followed up for 1 to 2 years. Patients' developmental levels were evaluated by the Gesell score before CI. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded to evaluate the safety of CI. Auditory and speech abilities were scored by the LittlEARS® auditory questionnaire (LEAQ), categories of auditory performance (CAP), speech intelligibility rating (SIR), infant-toddler meaningful auditory integration scale (IT-MAIS), and meaningful use of speech scale (MUSS) at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after CI. The associations between clinical characteristics before CI and postoperative scores at 1 year after CI were analyzed by the linear mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine children (47 boys and 42 girls) were included in this study (mean age at CI, 9.2 ± 1.6 months). Sixteen patients were diagnosed with cochlear malformation and 16 underwent bilateral CI. No severe complications occurred in any patients. The mean developmental quotient of the Gesell score was 78.00 ± 10.03. The median LEAQ scores were 0, 5, 10, 16, 22, 26 and 30 before and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after CI, respectively. These findings implied that the LEAQ score greatly improved in the first year after CI. The overall CAP, SIR, IT-MAIS, and MUSS scores also increased with increasing duration after CI. No significant associations were detected between clinical characteristics (age, sex, implant number, pre-CI Gesell score, and inner ear malformation) and LEAQ outcomes at 12 months after CI.

INTERPRETATION

With increasing duration after CI, auditory and speech behavior dramatically improve in young children. Our findings indicate that CI is feasible for children younger than 12 months of age.

Surgical Intervention for Laryngomalacia: Age-Related Differences in Postoperative Sequelae

OBJECTIVE

Identify risk factors and determine perioperative morbidity of children undergoing surgery for laryngomalacia (LM).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the multi-institutional American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Database (ACS-NSQIP-P) was performed to abstract patients aged <18 years with LM (ICD-10 code Q31.5) who underwent laryngeal surgery (CPT code 31541) from 2015 to 2017. Analyzed clinical variables include patient demographics, hospital setting, length of stay, medical comorbidities, postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 491 patients were identified, 283 were male (57.6%) and 208 were female (42.4%). The mean age at time of surgery was 1.07 years (range .01-17 years). Younger patients were more likely to undergo surgery in the inpatient setting compared to their counterparts (P < .001). Infants were more likely to have prolonged duration of days from admission to surgery (P < .001), days from surgery to discharge (P < .001), and total length of stay (P<.0010). Finally, there was no significant difference between age groups with respect to 30-day general surgical complications (P = .189), with an overall low incidence of reintubation (1.2%), readmission (3.1%), and reoperation (1.6%).

CONCLUSION

This analysis supports laryngeal surgery as a safe surgical procedure for LM. However, younger children are more likely to undergo operative intervention in the inpatient setting, endure delays from hospital admission to surgical intervention, and experience a prolonged length of stay due to their overall medical complexity. Recognition of key factors may assist in optimizing perioperative risk assessment and promote timely procedural planning in this unique pediatric patient subpopulation.

Lateral cervical abscesses: NSQIP-P perspective on length of stay, readmission, and reoperation

OBJECTIVES

Identify risk factors and determine perioperative sequelae of children undergoing lateral cervical abscess incision and drainage.

METHODS

Pediatric patients who underwent lateral cervical abscess incision and drainage aged 1-18 years were retrospectively queried via ACS-NSQIP-P (2012-2016) utilizing CPT code 21501. Analyzed outcomes include age, time to surgery, operative time, total length of stay, readmission, and reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 1917 children were identified, with a mean age at time of surgery of 4.05 years (95% CI 3.86-4.25). The mean number of days from hospital admission to operative intervention was 1.24 days (95% CI 1.16-1.31), with a mean total length of stay of 3.64 days (95% CI 3.46-3.82). The mean number of days from hospital admission to surgery was significantly lengthened in younger children (P = .0001) and pediatric patients of non-Caucasian origin (P < 0.001). Children with positive septic parameters not only had a prolonged time to surgery but also a significantly prolonged total length of stay (P < 0.001). Finally, a persistent requirement for postoperative mechanical ventilation and prolonged operative time (P = 0.003) was found to be related to reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Younger children are more likely to have delays from hospital admission to definitive surgical intervention, but this does not appear to affect total length of stay. Recognition of pertinent clinical factors may assist in optimizing perioperative risk assessment and promote timely procedural planning in the pediatric subpopulation.

Pediatric Thyroidectomy: NSQIP-P Analysis of Adverse Perioperative Outcomes

Background:

This study identifies risk factors and 30-day adverse outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement–Pediatric Database (2015-2016). Study population includes pediatric patients (≤18 years) who underwent hemithyroidectomy (HT), total thyroidectomy (TT), and total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection (TT+ND).

Results:

A total of 720 cases were identified; mean age at time of surgery was 14.1 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3.4:1. Following hospital discharge, there were 10 related readmissions, with 1 patient requiring reoperation for neck hematoma evacuation. Regression analysis revealed anesthesia time had a significant impact on total length of stay ( P = .0020).

Conclusion:

Contemporary pediatric thyroidectomy has a low incidence of 30-day general surgical postoperative complications. Future research efforts are necessary once thyroidectomy specific variables are incorporated into ACS-NSQIP-P, which will provide further insights into managing this unique patient population.

Special Populations in Implantable Auditory Devices: Pediatric

"Hearing loss in the pediatric population can have significant social and developmental implications. Early auditory rehabilitation by at least 6 months of age is imperative. Although traditional hearing aids are often a first-line treatment option, there is a wide array of implantable auditory devices available. This article describes the indications for such devices as they pertain to the pediatric population, including osseointegrated bone-conduction devices, middle ear implants, cochlear implants, and auditory brainstem implants."

A cross-sectional evaluation of outcomes of pediatric branchial cleft cyst excision

OBJECTIVE

To examine complications following pediatric branchial cleft cyst excision by surgical specialty, demographics, and comorbid conditions.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed. Pediatric cases from January 1, 2015 through May 1, 2017 with a current procedural terminology code of 42810 (excision branchial cleft cyst or vestige, confined to skin and subcutaneous tissues) or 42815 (excision branchial cleft cyst, vestige, or fistula, extending beneath subcutaneous tissues and/or into the pharynx) were included. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between complications and surgical specialty, demographics, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Of the 895 cases that met inclusion criteria, the median age was two years and there was an approximately equal number of males (46.8%) and females (53.2%). Forty-five patients (5.0%) experienced at least one 30-day complication, the most predominant of which was superficial surgical site infection. There was no statistically significant difference between complications and surgical specialty, complications and patient demographics, or complications and depth of excision. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.05) in the percentage of patients with a past medical history of developmental delay between those with at least one complication (11.1%) compared to those without any complications (4.2%).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Branchial cleft excision is a generally safe procedure across surgical specialties and patient demographics. There is an association between a history of developmental delay and 30-day postoperative complications.

An analysis of perioperative outcomes following cervical abscess drainage in children under 2 years

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors and determine perioperative morbidity of children under 2 years of age undergoing cervical abscess drainage.

METHODS

Patients who underwent cervical abscess drainage 1-18 years of age were queried via the ACS-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database (2012-2015). Analyzed outcomes include length of stay, operative time, readmission/reoperation rate, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 2181 children were identified, 858 were <2 (51.5% male) and 1323 were >2 years (57.1% male) (p = 0.011). The younger cohort was found to undergo more lateral approaches for cervical abscess drainage whereas the older cohort was found to undergo more intraoral approaches for pharyngeal abscess drainage (p < 0.001), suggesting a difference in abscess location related to age at clinical presentation. The younger cohort was also found to have a higher preoperative white blood cell count (20.7 vs. 17.5, p < 0.001) but no significant difference in preoperative fulminant sepsis was observed. Younger children were found to have both a longer wait-time until surgery (1.4 vs. 1.1 days, p = 0.003) and a prolonged length of stay (LOS) (4.3 vs. 3.4 days, p < 0.001). Operative time was found to be lower in the younger cohort (18.4 vs. 21.5 min, p = 0.003), Finally, the younger cohort was found to have an increased incidence and duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation (63 vs. 41, and 0.4 vs. 0.1 days, respectively, p < 0.001.). There were no differences in post-op complications (wound infection, dehiscence, pneumonia, reintubation, and reoperation/readmission). Linear regression for LOS showed that major contributors were operative time, days of postop ventilation, and days from admission to surgery with R = 0.700.

CONCLUSION

Children under 2 years of age have longer LOS that may in part be due to a greater likelihood of postoperative ventilation and a delay in operative intervention, despite having surgical approaches associated with a shorter LOS. They are no more prone to complications than are older children. Recognition of these critical factors plays a role in optimizing perioperative risk assessment and procedural planning within this patient population.

Congenital Choanal Atresia Repair: An Analysis of Adverse Perioperative Events

Objectives

To identify risk factors and determine the perioperative morbidity of infants undergoing congenital choanal atresia (CCA) repair.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of the ACS-NSQIP-P database (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement–Pediatric).

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients who underwent CCA repair at age ≤365 days at the time of surgery were queried via the ACS-NSQIP-P database (2013-2016) via Current Procedural Terminology code 30540. Analyzed outcomes include age, length of stay, medical comorbidities, operative time, readmission, reoperation, and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 168 patients were identified, 70 of which were within the neonatal period. Preoperatively, gastrointestinal disease ( P < .0001), mechanical ventilation ( P < .0001), and oxygen supplementation ( P = .0040) were significantly greater in frequency among neonates. For all children preoperatively, ASA class ( P < .0001), chronic lung disease ( P = .0019), oxygen supplementation ( P < .0001), and prematurity ( P = .0016) had a significant impact on prolonged length of stay. Neonates had a persistent requirement for postoperative mechanical ventilation ( P < .0001) and a prolonged length of stay ( P < .00001).

Conclusion

Neonates undergoing CCA repair are more likely to have a persistent requirement for postoperative mechanical ventilation and a prolonged length of stay. Recognition of key clinical factors may aid in optimizing perioperative risk assessment, patient counseling, and procedural planning.