Seiji Kakehata, M.D., Ph.D.is best known for his work in pioneering endoscopic ear surgery in his home country of Japan and around the world. He serves s Professor and Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine. He is the Chair of Board of Directors, Japan Otological Society (JOS). In addition, he is a founding board member of the International Working Group on Endoscopic Ear Surgery(IWGEES) and its president elect as well as the president of the Pan-Asia Working Group on Endoscopic Ear Surgery (PAWGEES).
Dr. Kakehata’s clinical interests include minimally invasive endoscopic ear surgery, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and facial nerve palsy. Dr. Kakehata’s research has focused on cochlear hair cell physiology and hearing regeneration. His funded research includes the study of outer hair cell motility, effects of cholesterol alterations on outer hair cells, regeneration of the facial nerve, and regeneration of auditory nerve fiber growth and synapse formation after ear injury.
Dr. Kakehata organized and held the first courses in endoscopic ear surgery in Asia and has held an annual hands-on course since 2012. He has presented at numerous regional and national meetings in Japan as well as international meetings and courses especially on the subject of endoscopic ear surgery. He has published approximately 150 articles and book chapters.
