Our Summary

This study looked at what causes anxiety in children before they have otoplasty, a type of ear surgery. Researchers spoke with ten patients at a Canadian children’s hospital about their experiences and feelings before the surgery. After analyzing these interviews, they found that the children’s anxiety mainly stemmed from three areas: worry about their well-being after the surgery, fear of the unknown, and the level of support they received from family, friends, and their surgeon. The researchers concluded that understanding these anxiety triggers can help doctors and healthcare teams better prepare children and their families for otoplasty, improving the overall patient experience.

FAQs

  1. What are the main causes of anxiety in children before undergoing otoplasty?
  2. How can understanding these anxiety triggers improve the overall patient experience for children undergoing otoplasty?
  3. What role does the support from family, friends, and the child’s surgeon play in managing the child’s anxiety before otoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to openly communicate any fears or concerns they may have about the surgery. By discussing these feelings with the healthcare team, the patient can receive the necessary support and reassurance to help alleviate anxiety and feel more prepared for the procedure. Additionally, ensuring that the patient has a strong support system in place, including family and friends, can also help ease any worries they may have about the surgery and recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those who have protruding or misshapen ears that are causing them emotional distress or affecting their self-esteem. Otoplasty is commonly performed on children and adolescents, although adults may also undergo the procedure. It is important for patients considering otoplasty to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to be in good overall health. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine if otoplasty is the right option for an individual patient.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  • Patient is referred to a surgeon for evaluation of prominent ears
  • Consultation with surgeon to discuss the procedure, expectations, and potential risks
  • Patient and family may feel anxious or nervous about the surgery
  • Pre-operative appointments and tests may be scheduled
  • Patient and family may receive information on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting instructions and medication guidelines

After otoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery, which typically takes 1-2 hours
  • Patient wakes up in a recovery room and may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort
  • Patient is monitored by medical staff for a period of time before being discharged
  • Patient may need to wear a bandage or headband to protect the ears during the initial healing process
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures or bandages
  • Patient may experience some temporary changes in sensation and appearance of the ears as they continue to heal
  • Patient and family receive instructions on how to care for the ears post-surgery, including avoiding certain activities and medications
  • Patient may experience some emotional and psychological adjustments as they adapt to their new appearance

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after otoplasty involves a combination of medical appointments, emotional considerations, and physical healing. Support from healthcare providers, family, and friends can play a significant role in helping the patient navigate this process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will there be visible scarring after the surgery, and how can it be minimized?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure, and are there any potential side effects?
  5. How many otoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need to wear any special bandages or garments after the surgery, and for how long?
  7. What are the expected results of the surgery, and will I need any follow-up appointments?
  8. How should I prepare for the surgery in terms of medications, diet, and lifestyle changes?
  9. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients?
  10. What type of support can I expect from your healthcare team before, during, and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Prabhu N, MacNevin W, Wheelock M, Hong P, Bezuhly M. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Dec;139:110489. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110489. Epub 2020 Nov 7. PMID: 33186854