Does pediatric septoplasty compromise midfacial growth? A systematic review

Christian Calvo-Henríquez1,2, J Carlos Neves3, Diego Arancibia-Tagle3

  • 1Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federations of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (YO-IFOS) Study Group, Paris, France. christian.ezequiel.calvo.henriquez@sergas.es.

Insights

Pediatric septoplasty (surgical correction of deviated septum) does not appear to significantly impact midfacial growth. Available evidence suggests no major disturbances, though minor nasal anomalies were occasionally reported.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Craniofacial Growth

Background:

  • Septal deviation frequently impairs nasal breathing in children.
  • Septoplasty is a common surgical intervention for septal deviation.
  • Concerns exist regarding septoplasty's impact on pediatric nasal and facial growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the scientific evidence on whether pediatric septoplasty or rhinoseptoplasty negatively affects facial growth.
  • To determine if existing literature supports detrimental effects on midfacial development post-surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of the literature.
  • Searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Trip Database.
  • Assessed midfacial growth as the primary outcome following pediatric septoplasty.

Main Results:

  • Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
  • No significant disturbances in midfacial growth were identified in the reviewed literature.
  • Minor nasal anomalies were reported in four of the included studies.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence suggests pediatric septoplasty does not adversely affect midfacial growth.
  • The overall quality of evidence (Level C) limits strong recommendations.
  • Further high-quality research may be needed to definitively confirm these findings.
Abstract

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