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When Should Pediatric Septoplasty Be Performed for Nasal Airway Obstruction?
Author(s) -
Justicz Natalie,
Choi Sukgi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.27602
Subject(s) - septoplasty , medicine , surgery , otorhinolaryngology , nasal septum , nose
BACKGROUND Historically, otolaryngologists have been concerned about the potential detrimental effects of pediatric nasal surgery on the nasoseptal growth process. Septal cartilage is important for the development of the midface, and pediatric septoplasty was reserved for patients with functional problems secondary to congenital anomaly, tumor, or septal hematoma/abscess. More recently, there has been mounting evidence that the septum can be repaired without compromising facial development. In fact, a deviated septum causing nasal airway obstruction (NAO) represents an increasingly compelling indication to perform septoplasty. Otolaryngologists report functional improvement and patients report quality-of-life (QOL) improvement following septoplasty. However, high-quality guidelines for when to perform pediatric septoplasty are lacking. This review seeks to evaluate the current evidence for pediatric septoplasty, focusing on the indications to perform septoplasty and the most appropriate timeline for surgical intervention.