Abstract
Objective: 1) Compare the approaches to the treatment of hemangiomas between pediatric otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons. 2) Understand practice trends among otolaryngologists in the context of evolving standards of care in the management of patients with hemangiomas. 3) Identify the variables that influence therapeutic choices in treatment of hemangiomas.
Method: A 10-question survey was sent to ASPO and AAFPRS members. Responses were collected between July and December 2010. All questions were based on a 5 point Likert scale from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree” except 2 questions related to physician practice. Results were analyzed using t tests comparing mean scores.
Results: A total of 89 surveys from ASPO and 80 from AAFPRS were returned. Mean years in practice (15.4 AAFPRS and 19.7 ASPO) and patient volume (59.6% ASPO versus 29.49% AAFPRS treated at least 5 hemangioma patients yearly) differed significantly between both groups (P < .01 and P < .001, respectively). There was no association between years of experience and whether a physician agreed/strongly agreed with any question. There was a significant difference between percentage of ASPO and AAFPRS members agreeing/strongly agreeing with questions 2 to 7. These questions focused on the role of steroids, propanolol, laser therapy, and surgery.
Conclusion: Subspecialty affiliation was a significant factor in the majority of survey responses. There was greater use of steroids and lasers by facial plastic surgeons. More pediatric otolaryngologists reported using propanolol. Sources of differences in treatment philosophy should be elucidated. Standardized management approaches could potentially be generated across subspecialties in otolaryngology.
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