Update: Breaking the Taboo of Pediatric Septoplasty: Indications, Surgical techniques, Safety and Efficacy

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*Dr. Mark Shikowitz, MD, MBA, FAC

Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York

: J Otol Rhinol

Abstract

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Introduction: Years of controversy and taboo have surrounded performing pediatric Septoplasty. Most of the negatives were concerning the possible loss or destruction of the nasal growth centers and alterations of facial growth. However, recent studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of performing pediatric Septoplasty. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 300 patients who underwent a Septoplasty ages 15 or below over a 25 year period all performed by the author were studied. The average age was 11.8 years. These were performed alone or as a combined procedure. The youngest was 10 days old. The various indications, surgical technique, use of intranasal splints where indicated and post-operative management will be discussed. Results: Of the 300 patients that underwent pediatric Septoplasty there were no significant complications. No discernable alterations in nasal or facial growth or development. Only 2 patients required a revision when they reached 18-19 years of age respectively. Children who had deviated septum’s without surgical correction were at risk for developing mid face deformities Conclusion: Pediatric Septoplasty is a safe and efficacious procedure when performed properly. The discussed surgical techniques may be crucial to the successful outcome. The need for surgical intervention on a case to case basis will be discussed. The taboo should finally be broken.

Biography

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Dr. Shikowitz attended Syracuse University where he graduated in 1976 Cum Laude as biology major. Dr. Shikowitz then attended the University Of Dominica School Of Medicine where he received his M.D. in 1981. He then completed his general surgery internship at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York from 1981 to 1982. He was a resident and chief resident in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center from 1982 to 1986. Following the completion of his residency training, he received a three-year career development award from the National Institute of Health to study human papillomavirus disease where he worked on photodynamic therapy, which was experimental at that time. Eventually, this therapy became FDA approved and was used for several years on patients suffering with papillomavirus diseases of the upper aero-digestive tract. Dr. Shikowitz received his MBA from the George Washington University, Washington, D.C. in 2010. Since 1986, Dr. Shikowitz has been on the staff of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center and the Northwell Health system. Professor and Vice Chairman of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery both at Zucker School of Medicine and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.