Cochlear implantation after renal transplantation

Objective: Cochlear implantation after renal transplantation is uncommon and poses unique challenges that have only recently been described in the medical literature. This work reports our experience with cochlear implantation in patients who have undergone renal transplantation. Study Design: A retrospective review was performed. Setting: This study was performed in a tertiary academic medical center. Patients: Two patients were identified as having undergone cochlear implantation after renal transplantation. Interventions: Uneventful unilateral cochlear implantations were performed. Main Outcome Measures: Postoperative complications to include wound infection or dehiscence were reported as well as audiometric data. Results: Cochlear implantation was completed uneventfully in both patients without postoperative complications. One patient expired two years after the procedure as a result of multiple comorbidities. Both patients achieved successful use of their device. Conclusions: This study adds to the growing evidence that successful cochlear implantation can be achieved in appropriately selected renal transplant patients. Decision making should rely on surgical candidacy as well as assessment of surgical risk in collaboration with the transplant service.