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Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation
Published on: June 20, 2018
Septoplasty in children
Cemal Cingi1, Nuray Bayar Muluk, Seckin Ulusoy
1Department for ORL Head and Neck Surgery, Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey.
Insights
Pediatric septoplasty does not harm facial growth when performed correctly. This surgery is recommended for severe breathing issues in children, even from birth if necessary.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Septal cartilage is crucial for facial growth, leading to physician concerns about pediatric septoplasty's impact.
- Understanding nasoseptal development is key to evaluating surgical safety in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pediatric septoplasty, its indications, and effects on nasoseptal growth.
- To provide guidance on safe surgical techniques for pediatric septoplasty.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric septoplasty and nasal skeletal development.
- Analysis of surgical techniques and their impact on facial growth.
Main Results:
- Unilateral or bilateral mucoperichondrial elevation does not negatively affect facial growth.
- Avoid elevating nasal floor mucosa to prevent incisive nerve damage.
- Limit septal cartilage excision, avoiding dorsal and growing zones.
Conclusions:
- Septoplasty is indicated for severe breathing problems due to septal deviation in children.
- Surgery can be performed from age 6, or earlier if necessary, even in neonates.
Objectives:
Physicians have long had concerns about the potential harmful effects of pediatric septoplasties on the nasoseptal growth process because septal cartilage is important for the growth and development of the face.
Methods:
In this review article, pediatric septoplasty and its indications are discussed, together with a literature survey. In addition, overviews of development of the nasal skeleton from neonate to adult, nasal growth, and cartilaginous septum are presented. Important issues and comments on pediatric septoplasties are provided.
Results:
During septoplasty procedures, elevation of the mucoperichondrium unilaterally or bilaterally does not negatively affect growth of the face. Stabilization of the septum may be easier when mucosal elevation is performed unilaterally. The nasal floor mucosa should not be elevated so to avoid damage to the incisive nerves. Corrections and limited excisions may be done from the cartilaginous septum. Separation of the septal cartilage from the perpendicular plate, especially at the dorsal part, should not be performed because this area is important for the length and height of the nasal septum and nasal dorsum. Incisions or excisions should not be performed through the growing and supporting zones, especially at the sphenoethmoid dorsal zone.
Conclusion:
If there are severe breathing problems related to the septal deviation, septoplasty should be performed. In the majority of cases, septal surgery may be conducted in 6-year-old children. However, if necessary, septal surgery may be performed in younger children and even at birth.
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