• N Scott Howard and Patrick J Antonelli.
• Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0264, USA. antonpj@ent.ufl.edu
• Am J Otolaryngol. 2004 Mar 1;25(2):84-7.

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine if a change to minimal-hair shave preparation has altered the incidence of complications after cochlear implant surgery.Materials And MethodsCharts were reviewed on 158 consecutive patients that underwent primary cochlear implant surgery for evidence of minor and major surgical complications with full- or minimal-hair shave preparation.ResultsComplications were noted within 6 weeks in 5 of 105 patients in the minimal-hair shave group and 3 of 53 in the full-hair shave group (4.8% v 5.7%, P =.53). Delayed complications were noted in 3 within the minimal-shave group and 1 within the full-shave group (2.9% v 1.9%, P =.58). Only 1 wound complication required replacement of the cochlear implant.ConclusionsThere is no evidence that minimal-hair shave adversely affects rates of wound complications in patents undergoing cochlear implant surgery. Therefore, minimal preoperative scalp shave may be an acceptable alternative to the traditional hair shaving technique.

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