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.
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.