09-12, 14:00–15:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Pediatric Otolaryngology 1
Description This symposium explores the unique considerations and surgical strategies involved in managing skull base pathology in the pediatric population. While many principles of endoscopic skull base surgery are shared with adult practice, the pediatric context introduces specific challenges related to anatomy, instrumentation, and perioperative care. Experts will present structured talks on practical surgical techniques, including the management of pediatric cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and endoscopic repair of congenital meningoencephaloceles.
Outcome Objectives By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:
Understand the anatomical and physiological differences between pediatric and adult skull base surgery.
Identify appropriate adaptations in equipment, instruments, and theatre setup when operating in small children.
Apply specific technical strategies for managing pediatric CSF leaks, with emphasis on safety and long-term outcomes.
Recognize the diagnostic and surgical considerations for pediatric meningoencephaloceles.
Improve teamwork and communication between surgeons and assistants when working within the constraints of a small nasal cavity.
Background Pediatric skull base surgery remains a highly specialized and evolving field. Compared to adult patients, children present unique challenges due to smaller anatomical spaces, immature bone structures, and a narrower margin for error. Instrumentation must be adapted, and surgical teams require dedicated planning to ensure optimal access and safety. This symposium will provide practical guidance on operating within these constraints, including pearls on patient positioning, endoscope handling, and collaboration with surgical assistants.
Through illustrative cases and expert experience, the session will highlight advances in managing pediatric CSF leaks and congenital meningoencephaloceles—two conditions that exemplify the complexity and precision required in this age group. By sharing multidisciplinary insights, the symposium aims to equip attendees with a clearer understanding of how to safely expand their skull base practice into the pediatric realm.
This symposium aims to address the specific challenges of skull base surgery in children, highlighting the anatomical, technical, and collaborative differences compared to adult cases. Through focused talks on pediatric CSF leaks and congenital meningoencephaloceles, the session will provide practical insights and surgical strategies to enhance safety and outcomes in this complex field.
Pediatric otolaryngologist at Necker-Enfants Malades hospital in Paris, full professor at Université Paris Cité. Specialised in pediatric otology (cholesteatoma, vestibular diseases, CI) and skull base surgery with neurosurgical team. Fondamental research on the vestiular system in mouse models and children, with a focus on gene therapy and multi-sensory integration. Expertise in surgical education and simulation models (surgical videos, 3d-printing, virtual reality, OSATS) and deputy director of the school of surgery of Paris.
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Head of Pediatric ENT Department, Necker Pediatric Hospital, Paris Cité University
Specialized in the surgery of pediatric skull base diseases and of pediatric head and neck tumors
Secretary General of the French ENT Society (SFORL) since 2019
Secretary General of the European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (ESPO) since 2025
Grace Khong is a Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon and Rhinologist at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool. She obtained her early ENT surgical training in Chennai, India completing the Diplomate of the National Board. Her higher surgical training was in the Northwest of England, where she completed two Royal College of Surgeons of England accredited Senior Clinical Fellowships – the Liverpool Rhinology Fellowship at Aintree University Hospital (2018) and Paediatric ENT fellowship in Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (2019).
Her practice includes complex congenital and paediatric sinonasal surgeries in collaboration with neurosurgery, craniofacial and ophthalmology teams.
She is an Associate Editor of Clinical Otolaryngology and Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Liverpool.
She is on the teaching faculty of numerous dissection courses in the UK and internationally and has authored numerous book chapters on paediatric ENT and rhinology topics.