Does the use of postoperative lateral skull radiographs following cochlear implant insertion change clinical management?

Introduction: Performing a postoperative lateral skull x-ray is the departmental policy for all patients who have undergone cochlear implant surgery at our hospital. This study aims to evaluate our practice of using a modified Stenvers view for post surgical assessment of cochlear implant placement, and to review whether performing this x-ray has effected the subsequent management of patients.Methods: The case notes of all adult patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery during the period 2008-2012 were reviewed. Details obtained included: Date of operation Date of radiograph Did any clinical change occur as a result of the radiograph? Were any other radiological studies used? Was the radiograph reported formally? Results: A total of 42 adult patients who had undergone implantation were reviewed. 40/42 (95%) operated patients had postoperative plain radiographs, 33/42 (79%) x-rays were formally reported, none stating any adverse findings. Subsequent to postoperative skull radiographs, no change in management occurred in any patient. 3/42 (7%) patients had a postoperative CT scans due to new symptoms that subsequently settled.Conclusion: Performing modified Stenvers views for the post surgical assessment of cochlear implant placement resulted in no change in the subsequent management of patients. In light of the audit finding and literature evidence other methods of placement evaluation could be considered.Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenkonflikt an