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Choosing a Craniofacial Team for Your Child...page 2
Larry A. Sargent, M.D.

and that there may not be a significant population of that defect in a given area. Multidisciplinary craniofacial teams are found at major medical centers across the United States where resources are available to provide the safest and most advanced treatment for patients with facial anomalies. Regionalization ensures that each team has a large enough patient load to maintain the necessary expertise for proper treatment. The more procedures they perform together, the better the team becomes. Consequently, operative time is decreased, complications are minimized, and results are improved.

Craniofacial procedures performed on an irregular or occasional basis invite disaster and are not in the best interest of the patient.

The Evaluation Process
Each patient referred to a craniofacial center undergoes an evaluation by the principle members of the team, generally on an outpatient basis. Additional members of the team are called in depending on the individual needs of the patient. Team members meet to discuss the evaluations and formulate a coordinated comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and psychosocial problems. At the appropriate time, the treatment plan is executed and longitudinal follow-up occurs.

Craniofacial Surgeon The craniofacial surgeon is a plastic surgeon who has received extensive additional training in craniofacial techniques and whose practice is predominantly dedicated to the treatment of facial anomalies. The plastic surgeon generally directs the craniofacial team.

Neurosurgeon The neurosurgeon evaluates patients with anomalies involving defects of the skull or orbits. The neurosurgeon and plastic surgeon plan surgical intervention and participate jointly in operations that require an intracranial approach.

Anesthesiologist The anesthesiologist administers anesthesia, assists in airway management in patients with obstructions or pulmonary problems. The anesthesiologist evaluates the patient preoperatively to assess possible risks and provides post operative follow up.

Pediatrician The pediatrician generally refers the patient to a craniofacial center and is responsible for the patient's overall medical management.

Audiologist The audiologist evaluates the patient's hearing with special tests and makes recommendations for possible ENT management, further testing, hearing aids, and preferential classroom seating.

Otolaryngologist The otolaryngologist or ENT evaluates patients for possible problems with ears, nose and throat, and provides treatment for these problems.

Speech Pathologist The speech pathologist evaluates the communication skills of the patient to determine the quality of speech and language skills, identify problems, and make recommendations for intervention.

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The Tennessee Craniofacial Center, part of the Erlanger Health System, is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Center, led Larry A. Sargent, M.D., specializes in the evaluation and treatment of patients of all ages with craniofacial deformities. Location: 975 East Third Street. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
Phone: 423-778-9192 or 800-418-3223 Fax: 423-778-8172
Internet: www.craniofacialcenter.com Copyright ©1997, 2000, Erlanger Health Systems