Timely ear reconstruction relief for patients: Doctors

THANE: This 10-year-old from Thanehasseenmorechallenges thanaveragekidsofherage.Born with a missing outer ear and ear canal on both sides – conditions known as Microtia and Atresia (seebox)–shebeganstayingaloof in school.

As her self-esteem took a hit, herparentstookhertoDrAshesh Bhumkar, a Thane-based ENT surgeon, whosuggestedstep-bystep ear reconstruction surgeries. Ayearlater, thegirlcanhear clearly,withbothherearsreconstructed using her rib cartilage.

AheadoftheNationalMicrotia AwarenessDay(November9),Dr Bhumkarheldaninteractivesessionwithparentsonthedecisionmaking algorithm in MicrotiaAtresia.

“It is important for parents to raise their child withconfidence and self-esteem when they feel upsetwhensomeonequestionsor teases them,” he said. “The surgery is complex. Earlier, it was done in three-five sittings. With technicaladvancements,doctors are now able to perform the procedure in one go.”

Mostpatientshidetheirconditionbygrowinghairandlettingit looseovertheears.DrBhumkar, whohastreatedmorethanthree lakh patients, said: “There is no particularcausebehindthiscondition. It does not affect babies of thosewhoaresufferingfromthis genetic disorder. If people learn about this, they will be kind and accepting.”

A Microtia-Atresia Parents Society(MAPS)hasbeenformed with an aim to help patients get access to the best treatment. “Withitscommunicationoffices inMumbai,DubaiandPaloAlto, California,MAPSisaplatformto shareexperiences, discussproblemsandhelpeachotherinevery possible way,” he said.