[Cochlear implantation by lateral petrosectomy].
Cochlear implantation by facial recess is nowadays the approach of choice in normal anatomical conditions in the middle and inner ear. When deafness is coincident with chronic otitis media or partial obliteration of the cochlea, others approaches can be applied. Authors presented lateral petrosectomy as an approach for cochlear implantation in two cases. In both patients all the electrodes were inserted. There were any complications in postoperative period. Lateral petrosectomy is nowadays well codified technique. It is possible to apply this approach for cochlear implantation in cases with chronic otitis media. Good access to the cochlea especially to its basal turn allows for good insertion even in partial obliteration of the scala tympani.