gms | German Medical Science

GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNOKHC)

ISSN 1865-1011

Preface

Editorial

Search Medline for

  • corresponding author Gerhard Rettinger - Universitätsklinik und Hochschulambulanz für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde, Ulm, Germany

GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2010;9:Doc09

doi: 10.3205/cto000073, urn:nbn:de:0183-cto0000734

Published: April 27, 2011

© 2011 Rettinger.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.en). You are free: to Share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work, provided the original author and source are credited.


Outline

Preface

This volume contains the instructed reviews, presented at the 81st Congress of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head- and Neck-Surgery in Wiesbaden (Germany), May 12–16, 2010. The English versions are based on the German reviews, published in Laryngo-Rhino-Otologie, 2010; 89.

Rhinologic functions

Simulation and air-conditioning in the nasal airways

It is still not possible to determine the capacity of the nasal airways for air-conditioning of the inspired air in individuals. In spite of application of latest technologies, there are technical limitations. T. Keck (Graz, A) and J. Lindemann (Ulm, D) (Figure 1 [Fig. 1]) report on the current knowledge of the significant modification of the inspired air within the short nasal passage as well as the relation with the complex infrastructure.

Physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory mucosa of the nose

The respiratory mucosa is the “organ of the nose”. It has multiple functions like cleaning, reflex and defence. A. G. Beule (Greifswald, D) (Figure 2 [Fig. 2]) describes the anatomic and physiologic principles of these functions as well as functional disturbances like reactions on medication and mucosal healing following surgery.

Quality of life before and after septoplasty and rhinoplasty

As described above, the possibilities of exact measurement of nasal functions are limited. This is why subjective assessments of surgical results are another tool to evaluate surgical interventions. Various questionaires can be applied. I. Baumann (Heidelberg, D) (Figure 3 [Fig. 3]) gives an overview and provides arguments, how to judge the results.

Functional rhinosurgery

Rhinosurgery in children

Surgical techniques, that are well established in adults, can not be applied in most of the cases in children, because of the fear of growth disturbances. The knowledge about the sequelae of surgery in the growing nose is primarily based on experience and animal experiments. Carel and Henriette Verwoerd (Rotterdam, NL) (Figure 4 [Fig. 4]) spent most of their research in this respect and present their cumulative results in this extensive review.

Interaction between oto-rhino-laryngology and orthodontics

The nose and the nasal airways are embedded in the surroundings of the upper and lower jaw. This is why growth disturbances are not limited to the nose. A. Stellzig-Eisenhauer and P. Meyer-Marcotty (Dept. of Orthodontics, Würzburg, D) (Figure 5 [Fig. 5]) describe the complex interrelationship between nasal widths and the cranio-facial structures as well as the effect of orthodontic therapy on nasal breathing.

Surgery of the turbinates and “empty-nose-syndrome”

The goal of septoplasty is primarily not to widen a nasal airway but to equalise the nasal passage on both sides in case of a septal deviation. Widening of the airways can be achieved by reduction of turbinate volume. M.O. Scheithauer (Ulm, D) (Figure 6 [Fig. 6]) evaluates the numerous techniques described and focuses on the consequences of overresection.

Nasal surgery in patients with systemic disorders

The nose and the nasal airways are involved in various systemic disorders. Sometimes the disease is even diagnosed from the nasal problems. The systemic disease has to be respected in case of surgical interventions. F. Sachse and W. Stoll † (Münster, D) (Figure 7 [Fig. 7]) present an overview and recommendations.

Structural grafts and suture techniques

Techniques in functional and aesthetic septorhinoplasty are subject to continuous modifications. 20 years ago, the “right approach” was under discussion and during the last years numerous grafts and suture techniques are “en vogue”. H. G. Gassner (Regensburg, D) (Figure 8 [Fig. 8]) gives an overview and describes advantages and disadvantages.

These selected rhinologic topics reveal the actual knowledge and are not the endpoint of a dynamic development of knowledge. They should act as a fundament and stimulate further research.
G. Rettinger (Figure 9 [Fig. 9])
President German ORL-Society 2009/2010