The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (“AAO-HNS”) recognizes microtia and anotia as congential birth defects. These conditions are associated with appreciable psychological and functional ramifications if left untreated. Reconstructive surgery is appropriate as a primary treatment in both children and adults. Therefore, microtia and anotia shall be considered reconstructive surgery to restore a missing or significantly deformed body part visibly present under normal circumstances.
Important Disclaimer Notice (Updated 7/31/14)
Position statements are approved by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery or Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Boards of Directors and are typically generated from AAO-HNS/F committees. Once approved by the Academy or Foundation Board of Directors, they become official position statements and are added to the existing position statement library. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of position statements, as guidance for a procedure, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these clinical position statements will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. As with all AAO-HNS/F guidance, this position statement should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. Position statements are not intended to and should not be treated as legal, medical, or business advice.
