Christopher H. Rassekh, MD profile

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Christopher H. Rassekh, MD Physician

Co-Chair, Hospital University of Pennsylvania Airway Safety Committee Director of Risk Reduction and Director of Professional Practice, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Director, Penn Medicine Sialendoscopy Program Professor of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery

Get to Know Dr. Rassekh

Languages spoken:

French
Spanish

Dr. Rassekh is employed by Penn Medicine.

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4.7out of 5

64 Patient Satisfaction Ratings

About Dr. Christopher H. Rassekh

Christopher H. Rassekh, MD is Professor of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Penn Medicine. He is the Director of the Penn Medicine Sialendoscopy Program, which provides evaluation of and minimally invasive surgery for diseases that cause swelling of the salivary glands including obstructive diseases such as salivary stones, salivary duct strictures and tumors. As a trusted member of the international salivary gland care community, he will serve as co-chair for the 5th International Salivary Gland Congress held at Penn Medicine in October of 2019. Dr. Rassekh sees patients with head and neck tumors including cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, salivary gland, thyroid and neck and also was a very early adopter of Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for tumors and salivary gland diseases, and is an expert in cranial base surgery. He also is co-chair of the Airway Safety Committee at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Rassekh has been very active in the national and international community including the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology which awarded him the Distinguished service award in 2007. He has been on the board of directors of the North American Skull Base Society and served on numerous committees in that organization. He is currently on the Board for the Salivary Section of the American Head and Neck Society and has been on the program planning committee for all three of these organizations. He is a fellow of the Triological Society (aka Laryngological, Otological and Rhinological Society).

Recognized by America's Top Doctors, 2012 - 2018

Recognized by Best Doctors in America 2015 - 2018

Recognized in Philadelphia magazine's annual Top Docs issues for 2018 and 2019

Specializing in Head and Neck Cancer, tumors, salivary gland diseases, sialendoscopy, and all other aspects of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, especially diseases of the nose, throat and neck and skull base.

Patient Satisfaction Ratings

Patient Rating Breakdown

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

Comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Penn Medicine.

Overall Ratings

Clinical Specialties

Specialty:

Otorhinolaryngology
Otorhinolaryngology

Programs & Centers:

Center for Head and Neck Cancer
Cranial Base Surgery Program
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Services
Thyroid Surgery Services
TransOral Robotic Surgery Program

Board Certification:

Otolaryngology, 1993

Clinical Expertise:

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (DiGeorge Syndrome)
Adenocarcinoma of the Head and Neck
Adenoidectomy
Adenoiditis
Airway Disorders
Alaryngeal Communication
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinosinusitis
Allergies
Anterior Nasal Drip
Arytenoid Dislocation
Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease
Balance Disorders
Balloon Sinuplasty
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Blepharoptosis
Broken Nose (Nose Fracture)
Brow Droop
Brow Lift
Buccal Space Mass
Burn Reconstruction
Cancer of the Nasal Cavity
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak from Nose
Cerumen Removal
Cheek Problems
Chemical Peel
Choanal Atresia
Choking Sensation
Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Chronic Sinus Infection
Chronic Tonsillitis
Cleft Lip Surgery
Cleidocranial Dysostosis
Coarse Facial Features
Coblation for Tonsillectomy
Collagen Injection
Conductive Hearing Loss
Cosmetic Facial Surgery
Cosmetic Jaw Surgery
Cough
Crackling Sound in Ears
Craniosynostosis
Cricopharyngeal Achalasia
Cross Face Nerve Graft
CSF Leak Repair
Da Vinci Head & Neck Surgery
Dacryocystorhinostomy
Dermal Fillers
Deviated Septum
Difficulty Speaking
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Digastric Muscle Transfer
DiGeorge Syndrome
Disorder of Ear Lobe
Dizziness
Double Chin
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dysphonia
Ear and Temporal Bone Tumors
Ear Canal Lesion
Ear Cartilage Rhinoplasty
Ear Cleaning
Ear Cyst
Ear Discharge
Ear Drainage
Ear Exam
Ear Fullness
Ear Infection - Middle Ear (Otitis Media)
Ear Mass
Ear Pinning
Ear Plastic Surgery
Ear Pressure
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery
Earache
Ectodermal Dysplasias
Empty Nose Syndrome
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy
Enlarged Adenoids
Esophageal Dilation
Esophageal pH Test
Ethmoidectomy
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Excessive Drooling
Excessive Salivation
Eyelid Repair
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Face Swelling
Facial Abscess
Facial Aging
Facial Asymmetry
Facial Asymmetry Surgery
Facial Deformities
Facial Fracture
Facial Implants
Facial Lesion
Facial Nerve Disorders
Facial Nerve Graft
Facial Nerve Injury
Facial Nerve Palsy
Facial Nerve Schwannoma
Facial Paralysis Reconstruction
Facial Paresis
Facial Reconstruction
Facial Rehabilitation
Facial Skin Resurfacing Procedures
Facial Vein
Fine Needle Aspiration
Fissured Tongue
forehead lift
Forehead Nodule
Foreign Body in Ear
Frenectomy
Frontalis Muscle Transfer
Frostbite of Ear
Frostbite of Face
Frostbite of Nose
Frown Lines
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Glossodynia
Goiter
Gold Eyelid Weight
Hairy Tongue
Halo Laser Treatment
Head and Neck Tumor Reconstruction
Head Mass
Hearing Aid Evaluation
Hearing Evaluation
Hearing Loss
History of Pituitary Mass
Hoarseness
Hyperacusis
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypertelorism
Hypoglossal Nerve Disease
Hypoglossal Nerve Injury
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator
Hypoglossal Nerve Transfers
Impacted Cerumen
Injection Medialization Laryngoplasty
Inner Ear Trauma
Interposition Nerve Grafts
Inverted Papilloma
Itchy Ear
Jaw Disorders
Jaw Reconstruction
Keloid Scar
Labyrinthitis
Laryngeal Dysphagia
Laryngeal Dysplasia
Laryngeal Dystonia
Laryngeal Edema
Laryngeal Lesion
Laryngeal Leukoplakia
Laryngeal Papillomatosis
Laryngeal Polyps
Laryngectomy
Laryngitis
Laryngocele
Laryngoscopy
Laryngotracheoplasty
Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty
Lefort Fracture
Lip Asymmetry
Lip Droop
Lip Surgery
Local Muscle Transfers
Ludwig's Angina
Lump in Throat
Mandibulectomy
Masseter-to-Facial Nerve Transfer
Mastoiditis
Maxillectomy
Maxillomandibular Advancement
Melanoma on Face
Meniere's Disease
Microdermabrasion
Micrognathia
Microsurgery
Microsurgical Replantation of the Ear
Microvascular Flap Reconstruction
Middle Ear Exploration
Mid-Face Lift
Midfacial Hypoplasia
Missing Eardrum
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mouth Abscess
Mouth Bleeding
Mouth Infections
Muffled Hearing
Myringoplasty
Myringotomy
Nasal Cancer
Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Nasal Congestion
Nasal Crusting
Nasal Drainage
Nasal Dryness
Nasal Endoscopy
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal Polyps
Nasal Trauma
Nasoseptal Reconstruction
Neck Abscess
Neck Biopsy
Neck Cyst
Neck Lift
Neck Lymph Nodes
Neck Mass Excision
Neck Plastic Surgery
Neck Reconstruction
Neural Hearing Loss
Neurologic Disorders of the Larynx
Nose Bleed
Nose Deformities
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Nystagmus
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Odynophagia
Olfactory Nerve Disease
Oral Inflammation
Oral Lesions
Oral Pain
Oral Pathology
Orofacial Pain
Oropharyngeal Disorders
Osteoma
Otalgia
Otoacoustic Emissions Test
Ototoxicity
Paranasal Surgery
Parapharyngeal Abscess
Parapharyngeal Mass
Parathyroidectomy
Perforated Ear Drum
Perforated Eardrum
Perichondritis
Peritonsillar Abscess
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy
Pharyngeal Flap Surgery
Pharyngeal Mass
Polyp of Cheek
Port Wine
Positional Vertigo
Post-Nasal Drip
Preauricular Fistula
Problems with Smell and Taste
Prominent Ears
Rasping of the Nasal Dorsum
Reconstruction of Ear
Reconstruction of Nose
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Retropharyngeal Abscess
Rhinitis
Rhinophyma
Rhinorrhea
Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty
Salivary Duct
Salivary Gland Disorders
Salivary Gland Swelling
Scalp Transplant
Scar on Neck
Scratchy Voice
Septal Perforation
Septoplasty
Sialadenitis
Sialendoscopy
Sialolithiasis
Sialorrhea
Sinonasal Carcinoma
Sinonasal Mucocele
Sinonasal Papilloma
Sinus and Nasal Mucoceles
Sinus Disorders
Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
Sinus Mass
Sinus Polyp
Sinus Pressure
Sinus Surgery
Skin Fillers
Skin Resurfacing and Rejuvenation
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Disorders
Sleep Endoscopy
Sleep-Related Hypoventilation
Small Ear Canal
Smell Disorders
Smile Restoration
Snoring
Sore Throat
Speech Aid Prosthesis
Sphenoidectomy
Sphenoidotomy
Spots on Mouth
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin of Lip
Stapedectomy
Stomatitis
Stylohyoid Syndrome
Subglottic Stenosis
Submandibular Nodule
Submandibular Swelling
Sudden Deafness
Suppurative Tonsillitis
Swallowing Disorders
Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen Parotid
Swollen Throat
Swooshing Sound in Ears
Temporal Bone Fracture
Temporalis Muscle Transfers
Throat Abscess
Throat Disorders
Throat Drainage
Throat Mass
Thyroglossal Duct Disorders
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroidectomy
Tinnitus
Tongue Mass
Tongue Pain
Tongue Plaque
Tongue Swelling
Tonsil Removal Surgery (Tonsillectomy)
Tonsillar Abscess
Tonsillar Hypertrophy
Tonsillitis (Tonsil Inflammation)
Tonsilloliths
Tracheal Dilatation
Tracheal Stomal Stenosis
Tracheocutaneous Fistula
Tracheostomy Management
Transnasal Repair CSF Leak
Transoral Robotic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Tympanometry
Tympanoplasty/Mastoidectomy
Uvuloplasty
Velopharyngeal Deficiencies
Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Vermilionectomy
Vertigo
Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular Neuronitis
Vestibular Services
Videostroboscopy
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Vocal Cord Issues
Vocal Cord Lesion
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal Cord Strain
Vocal Cord Surgery
Voice Disorders
Voice Prosthesis

Show All Expertise

Practice Locations and Appointments

Penn Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Perelman

Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine South Pavilion, 3rd Floor 3400 Civic Center Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19104 800-789-7366 (PENN)
- Map & Driving Directions
A facility of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Insurance Accepted

Aetna US Healthcare
Cigna
Cigna HealthSpring
Clover Health Plan
CVS Health
Devon Health Services (Americare)
eLAP Services
Gateway Health Plan
Geisinger Health Plan
HealthAmerica / HealthAssurance, a Coventry Plan
HealthPartners
HealthPartners Medicare
HealthSmart

Highmark Blue Shield
Homestead Smart Health Plans
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Humana / Choicecare
Independence Blue Cross (Keystone East)
Intergroup
Keystone First
Keystone First Medicare
Multiplan
NJ Medicaid
NJ Qualcare
Oxford Health Plan
PA Health and Wellness (Centene) Medicare

PA Medicaid
PA Medicare
Preferred Health Care/LGH
Provider Partners Health Plan
Rail Road Medicare / Palmetto GBA
Remedy Partners at Penn Medicine
Tricare
United Healthcare
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
US Family Health Plan
Veterans Choice Program

Education and Training

Medical School: University of Iowa College of Medicine
Fellowship: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Residency: Spectrum Health Hospital (Butterworth Campus)
Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Fellowship: UPMC Presbyterian

Memberships

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National American Board of Otolaryngology, National American College of Surgeons, National American Head and Neck Society, National American Head and Neck Society, National American Medical Association, National North American Skull Base Society, International North American Skull Base Society, National Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Local Triological Society, National

Hospital Affiliation

Dr. Rassekh is employed by Penn Medicine.

Hospital Privileges:

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: Has privileges to treat patients in the hospital.
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center: Has privileges to treat patients in the hospital.
Pennsylvania Hospital: Has privileges to treat patients in the hospital.

Research

Description of Research Expertise:

Research Experience:

Small Animal Model Research
Cadaveric Surgical Research
Basic Immunology Techniques for Translational Research
Interpreting Basic Science for Translational Research
Basic Outcomes Data Research/ Quality of Life Studies
Clinical Research on Surgical Innovation
(especially minimally invasive salivary gland surgery, organ preservation surgery, minimally invasive cranial base and pharyngeal/laryngeal surgery)
Clinical Research on Imaging

Current Research Projects:

Sialendoscopy database and Hybrid Approaches to Submandibular Gland Surgery
Level I neck dissection
Radiographically Enhanced Clinical Airway Tool (REACT)
Surgical Managemet and Clinical Approaches to Parapharyngeal Space Tumors
Cartilaginous and Osseous Tumors (Chondrosarcoma, Chordoma and Osteosarcoma)
Endoscopic (Robotic) and Open Organ Preservation Surgery Analysis
HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer

Selected Publications:

Gomez ED, Thaler ER, O'Malley BW, Jr., Rassekh CH, Weinstein GS, Newman JG, Brody RM: Techniques for developing and viewing stereoscopic three-dimensional teaching videos for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) J Robot Surg. 2019 Apr 3. doi: 10.1007/s11701-019-00952-z. [Epub ahead of print] : 2019.

Henry LE, Haugen TW, Rassekh CH, Adappa ND, Weinstein GS, O'Malley BW, Jr.: A novel transpalatal-transoral robotic surgery approach to clival chordomas extending into the nasopharynx Head Neck 2019 Apr 10. doi: 10.1002/hed.25747. [Epub ahead of print] : 2019.

Iocca O, Farcomeni A, De Virgilio A, Di Maio P, Golusinski P, Malvezzi L, Pellini R, Golusinski W, Rassekh CH, Spriano G.: Prognostic significance of lymph node yield and lymph node ratio in patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx: Study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, observational study. Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2019 Jan 14;14:100324. doi: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100324. eCollection 2019 Jun. : 2019.

Douglas JE, Thomas WW, Kejner SE, Rassekh CH: Sialendoscopy for definitive management of a submandibular abscess following radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma ORL 80 (5-6): 2018.

Stubbs, VC, Rajasekarne K, Gigliotti AR, Mahmoud AF, Brody RM, Newman JG, Rassekh CH, Weinstein GS: Management of the Airway for Transoral Robotic Supraglottic Partial Laryngectomy Front Oncol 8 (312): 2018.

Workman AD, Brody RM, Kuan EC, Baranov E, Brooks SG, Alonso-Basanta M, Newman JG, Rassekh CH, Chalian AA, Chiu AG, Weinstein GS, Feldman MD, Adappa ND, O'Malley BW Jr, Palmer JN.: Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma: A 15-year Single Institution Experience J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2019 Feb;80(1):88-95. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1668537. Epub 2018 Aug 16 : 2018.

Mantravadi, AV, Moore, MG, Rassekh, CH: AHNS Series-Do you know your guidelines: Diagnosis and management of Salivary Gland Tumors Head and Neck 41 (2): 269-280,2018.

Hatten KM, Brody RM, Weinstein GS, Newman JG, Bur AM, Chalian AA, OʼMalley BW Jr, Rassekh CH, Cannady SB.: Defining the Role of Free Flaps for Transoral Robotic Surgery. Ann Plast Surg. 80 (1): 45-49,2018.

Rassekh CH, Haughey, B: Total Laryngectomy and Laryngopharyngectomy Cummings Textbook Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed. : 2018.

Rassekh CH: Robotic Approaches with Interventional Sialendoscopy Surgery of the Salivary Glands (book) : 2018.

Academic Contact Info

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Patient appointments: 800-789-7366 (PENN)

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