An illuminated retractor for minimal access surgery in cochlear implantation: How we do it

Abstract

Conclusion: Use of a Langenback retractor with an Ultrathin™ Lightmat^® light source can adequately illuminate the entire surgical field inside the subperiosteal pocket and facilitate ease of surgery and safer drilling. Objectives: Minimal access surgery for cochlear implantation has become widely accepted as it reduces surgical time and morbidity. Adequate illumination is required when drilling a bony recess for the receiver-stimulator package within a subperiosteal pocket. Methods: An Ultrathin™ Lightmat^® adhesive strip was attached to the Langenback retractor used for retraction of the wound. Results: No adverse effects or surgical complications associated with the use of the Lightmat^® occurred. It was particularly helpful in the bony dissection to the dura often needed in paediatric cochlear implantation.

Keywords::

• Cochlear implant
• instrument
• lighting
• subperiosteal pocket

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.