Outpatient Cochlear Implantation in Adults and Children: Insights From a Retrospective Review on 282 Consecutive Cases Since Its Introduction

Otologic surgery has evolved into day case surgery due to improvements in surgical technique, anesthesia, and postoperative surveillance. The primary aim of this study was to assess barriers and opportunities toward outpatient cochlear implantation (CI) in adults and children. A retrospective review was conducted on a consecutive series of patients undergoing CI since the introduction of outpatient surgery in January 2020at the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). A total of 282 cases were identified, including 207 adults and 75 children. Out of these, 97 cases were performed as outpatient procedures. The 14-day readmission rate after day-case surgery was 1.8%. Performing CI as an outpatient procedure is feasible and safe in a carefully selected patient population.Cite this article as: Zelvyte E, Coudré C, Mertens G, et al. Outpatient cochlear implantation in adults and children: insights from a retrospective review on 282 consecutive cases since its introduction. B-ENT. 2026;21(3):129-132.