Professor of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

Seiji Kakehata

Protecting the “hearing” and “speaking” functions which are important for communication

The Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery deals with everything from the neck and up, excluding eyes, teeth, and the brain. This governs speaking and hearing, which are the most important abilities in communication, and is also related to swallowing. As such, the department fulfills a very important role in quality of life (QOL).

Leading the world in the endoscopic ear surgery

For many years, the main method of ear surgery consisted of cutting a large opening behind the ear and using a microscope to excise the lesion. This method was used because the narrowness of the ear canal and the bones surrounding the canal make it difficult to use an endoscope. However, in cooperation with researchers in Italy and France, our group has developed “endoscopic ear surgery” in which endoscope and therapeutic instruments are inserted from the ear canal in order to remove the affected area. The first full-scale surgery in Japan was performed at Yamagata University Hospital in 2011. Since then, we have performed up to 100 operations per year. Compared to conventional operations, our method is less painful, and recovery is fast with no external scarring. The hospitalization period is also shortened. Overall, our method significantly reduces the burden placed on patients. This innovative surgical method is attracting attention from throughout the world.

From Yamagata University’s original surgical method to a global standard

Every year, we hold seminars to spread endoscopic ear surgery so that even more patients can undergo this low-burden treatment. We receive positive response every year, with participants coming from both Japan and overseas. Our innovative surgical method continues to spread throughout the world.

Medicine is still an imperfect scientific field. We will continue to engage in further research aimed at future treatment such as regeneration of hearing. We seek to perpetuate natural smiles of as many patients as possible.