Otosclerosis is a disorder causing a hardening of the middle ear bones which leads to a progressive hearing loss. Internationally renowned experts met in Saas Fee (Switzerland) in 2004 to discuss otosclerosis and stapes surgery, and they have subsequently

Volume 85 in the series 'Advances in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology' contains a combination of our current understanding of neurolaryngological anatomy, physiology, pathology and management options. The content of 'Advances in Neurolaryngology' is divided into four sections, namely Anatomy and Physiology, Examination and Investigation, Conditions and Therapeutic Options, and Fresh Perspectives and the Future. All the chapters have been written by internationally recognized experts in their field who provide a valuable update on the latest research. Interesting aspects of many of areas in the basic science, diagnostics and treatment options in Neurolaryngology are provided. New approaches when evaluating (for example, Chapter 2 – Visual Neurolaryngology) or managing and understanding other subsets of patients (see Chapter 16 – The Hidden Anatomy of Opera Singers) make this publication both current and fascinating! This publication is aimed at all healthcare workers who are involved in the management of patients with neurolaryngological conditions namely ENT surgeons, neurologists, radiologists, electrophysiologists, speech and language therapists, respiratory physicians and their respective trainees.

For the first time the editors of this volume have brought together text, illustrations and high-definition videos to create an expert video atlas in the field of pediatric airway surgery. The publication which includes the book and free online access to the videos provides a detailed review of the pros and cons and clinical pearls involved in various modes of pediatric airway surgery.Discussed are all the main open airway surgeries including laryngotracheal reconstruction, cricotracheal resection, tracheal resection and re-anastomosis, and slide tracheoplasty. Further covered is a range of endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic repair of laryngeal clefts and endoscopic treatment of vocal fold immobility. The high-definition videos with audio overlay and the text complement provide an excellent detailed instruction manual for surgeons willing to carry out these operations.This publication is designed for all levels, from medical student through residency and fellowship as well as the pediatric otolaryngologist or pediatric surgeon preparing for pediatric airway surgery.

Written by international leading experts in the field of skull base surgery, this publication provides a comprehensive description of both the etiology and management of defects arising in the anterior skull base. The contributions explore the cutting edge techniques in cranial base repair including free grafting, pedicled endonasal and extranasal grafts as well as free flap reconstruction. Further, this volume provides a detailed description of how to enhance success in cerebrospinal fluid leak and encephalocele repair using an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and localization.The contributions are accompanied by high-definition online videos that enable the reader to watch endoscopic skull base repairs performed by the masters while providing a step-by-step explanation of the techniques utilized.Otolaryngologist, neurosurgeons as well as physicians interested in learning about or wishing to optimize their techniques in anterior skull base reconstruction will find this publication indispensable reading.

Three decades after the introduction of the first bone-anchored hearing aids, the available systems have improved significantly and the field is expanding faster than ever. New technologies such as digital signal processing have opened new avenues unique to bone conduction hearing aids. Better insights into the physiology of bone-conducted hearing have not only changed the field but also provided ideas for new areas of application.In this volume of Advances in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, renowned researchers and experienced clinicians from all over the world present the latest findings and practices. Reviews on the theoretical background of bone conduction hearing, presentation of currently available hearing aid systems, chapters on monaural and binaural hearing with implantable bone conduction hearing aids, a comparison with conventional hearing aids and a glimpse into the future of implantable bone conduction hearing aids render this volume an invaluable reference book to ENT surgeons, audiologists, hearing aid acousticians and researchers alike.

The development of head and neck cancer is a multistep process in which genetic as well as epigenetic alterations interfere with the regular functions of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, carcinogenesis is promoted by the impairment of mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of genetic stability. The accumulation of crucial events such as evasion of apoptosis, lack of senescence, deregulated proliferation, invasion and metastasis, as well as neoangiogenesis eventually determines the malignant phenotype. The 16 articles of this volume span from advances in the understanding of underlying molecular pathways (conditional mouse model, folate activity, DNA repair, genomic heterogeneity, p53 family members, human papillomavirus), to preclinical and clinical studies investigating potential novel therapeutic targets (epidermal growth factor receptor, nuclear factor-kappaB, vascular endothelial growth factor, chemokine receptors, P53-based immunotherapy, virus-modified tumor vaccination), and biometric considerations on the evaluation of prognostic factors. This state-of-the-art publication is recommended reading not only for ENT specialists and oncologists, but also for molecular biologists and other subspecialists interested in head and neck cancer research.

Remarkable progress in the development of new concepts and techniques used in reconstructive surgery of microtia/atresia of the external auditory canal (EAC) has been made since the beginning of the 21st century. Helical computed tomography has made a three-dimensional reconstruction of the soft tissue of the temporal bone surface and the cranium possible, and has laid the groundwork for a collaboration between plastic surgeons and otologists. This book presents the latest findings on reconstructive surgery performed jointly by plastic surgeons and otologists. Based on this concept, information on diagnosis, surgical procedures, outcomes, long-term results and psychology is discussed. Collaborative surgery offers advantages not only in terms of a better reconstruction of morphology and function, but also in terms of the lower number of surgical procedures required which reduces the psychological pressure and economic burden on patients.