Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the safety and effectiveness of performing ear correction surgery (otoplasty) on children aged 5 to 10 years old with local anesthesia (LA), instead of general anesthesia (GA). The study included kids who underwent this surgery between 2017 and 2021.

The researchers found that 13 kids (6 boys and 7 girls), with an average age of 7 years, had the surgery with local anesthesia. 12 kids (6 boys and 6 girls), with an average age of 5 years, had the surgery with general anesthesia. The only complications noted were 3 minor internal ear bleedings that were easily treated; no further surgeries were needed.

Interestingly, parents of kids who had local anesthesia were more likely to agree to the same surgery again. They also reported being less worried after the surgery compared to parents whose kids had general anesthesia. Also, parents were slightly more satisfied with the surgery when local anesthesia was used.

In conclusion, the study suggests that performing ear correction surgery on children aged 5 to 10 years old with local anesthesia is safe and can be done in an office-based setting. The parents also seemed to have less anxiety and were slightly more satisfied with the results compared to when general anesthesia was used.

FAQs

  1. Is it safe to perform otoplasty on children aged 5 to 10 years old with local anesthesia?
  2. What were the complications noted during the study of otoplasty in children?
  3. Did the parents of the children who underwent surgery with local anesthesia have different reactions compared to those whose children had general anesthesia?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to consider using local anesthesia for the procedure, as it can be safe and effective for children aged 5 to 10 years old. This can potentially result in less anxiety for both the child and their parents, as well as increased satisfaction with the results.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for otoplasty are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears due to issues such as prominent ears, asymmetry, or other cosmetic concerns. Otoplasty is commonly performed on children as young as 5 years old, as well as adolescents and adults. In some cases, otoplasty may also be recommended for patients with congenital ear abnormalities or injuries that have affected the shape or position of the ears. It is important for patients considering otoplasty to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a good candidate for otoplasty
  • Pre-operative appointments and tests may be scheduled to ensure the patient is healthy for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including avoiding certain medications and foods
  • Surgery date is scheduled and anesthesia options are discussed with the patient

During otoplasty:

  • Patient arrives at the surgical facility and is prepped for surgery
  • Local or general anesthesia is administered, depending on the patient’s preference and surgeon’s recommendation
  • Surgeon performs otoplasty procedure, which typically involves reshaping the ear cartilage to correct protruding ears
  • Procedure can take 1-2 hours to complete

After otoplasty:

  • Patient is monitored in a recovery area until they are awake and stable
  • Instructions are given on how to care for the ears post-surgery, including wearing a protective headband for a certain period of time
  • Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any stitches or dressings
  • Patient can expect to see final results of otoplasty within a few weeks to months, once swelling has subsided and ears have healed

Overall, otoplasty can provide patients with improved self-esteem and confidence, especially for children who may be self-conscious about their ears. With proper care and follow-up, patients can enjoy long-lasting results from otoplasty surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about otoplasty include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and why?
  3. How long is the recovery period after otoplasty surgery?
  4. What kind of results can I expect from the surgery and are there any limitations?
  5. How many otoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  6. Will there be any scarring or visible marks after the surgery?
  7. How long will the results of otoplasty last? Will I need any additional procedures in the future?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options for correcting protruding ears?
  9. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure a successful recovery?
  10. How much does otoplasty surgery cost and is it covered by insurance?

Reference

Authors: Hazkour N, Goote P, Palacios J, Gottfried J, Kang I, Bastidas N. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Jan-Feb 01;34(1):258-261. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008866. Epub 2022 Aug 9. PMID: 36102910