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

Conclusion: Use of a Langenback retractor with an Ultrathin (TM) Lightmat (R) 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 (TM) Lightmat (R) 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 (R) occurred. It was particularly helpful in the bony dissection to the dura often needed in paediatric cochlear implantation.