Medically reviewed by Youssef Tahiri, M.D.
After several years of experience with canal surgery first followed by Medpor as a second surgery, Dr. Roberson, in cooperation with Dr. Youssef Tahiri became the only surgeon in the world performing Combined Atresia Microtia Repair (CAM) surgery. The three surgeons combined two previously separate fields of surgical practice into one unified surgery. This eight hour, outpatient procedure combining both the atresia repair canalplasty and the Medpor outer ear reconstruction. At this time, they remain the only ones performing this surgery in the world.
Having completed over hundreds CAM surgeries with Dr. Tahiri, it is commonplace for patients to select this option for Atresia and Microtia repair. Surgeries are performed in Palo Alto. The recovery time required in California following the procedure is four weeks, with post op appointments split between Los Angeles and Palo Alto.
The CAM procedure offers several advantages over traditional techniques and comes with drawbacks as well, but it is important to know that we have found no difference in hearing results in patients undergoing separate vs. CAM procedures.
The advantages of a Combined Atresia Microtia Reconstruction include:
- A single surgery, performed in the outpatient setting
- Single trip to the USA for surgery
- Tragal reconstruction in relation to existing Canal Reconstruction
- Securing the prosthesis and less prosthesis slipping
- Importantly, hearing outcomes with a CAM are as good as the ones obtained a stages aural atresia repair and microtia reconstruction.
The disadvantages of a Combined Atresia Microtia Reconstruction include:
- Slightly longer surgery
- Follow up appointments split between Palo Alto and Los Angeles
- Higher implant fracture rate (5.2%)
Importantly, hearing outcomes with a CAM are as good as the ones obtained a stages aural atresia repair and microtia reconstruction.
In the evaluation process, several factors are taken into consideration when Dr. Tahiri is recommending the method of surgery that would be advised for each child. Specific case-by-case evaluation is important, as there are times where separate procedures may be recommended over the combined approach and vice versa.
CONTACT THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITURE FOR MICROTIA REPAIR TODAY
To find out if your child qualifies for surgery, contact our office online today. You can also call (310) 255-4476 to speak to a member of our multilingual team.