title: Microsurgery in otolaryngology: the future.
abstract: Five areas of active clinical research development in otolaryngology have been selected to illustrate the specific applications of microsurgical principles and the potential future of associated bioengineering research. These are: (i) biocompatible microelectronic circuitry and cochlear electrode implant in total cochlear deafness, with preservation of auditory nerve function; (ii) microneural surgery of the facial nerve in hemifacial spasm and the techniques available for reinnervation of the paralysed larynx; (iii) laser microsurgery of the larynx--a new surgical modality dependent on high-precision control through the operating microscope; (iv) microvascular free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction and its potential value following combined irradiation therapy for carcinoma; and (v) human laryngeal transplantation--its current status.
mesh_terms: D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004581:Electronics; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000639:trends*; D008904:Miniaturization; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000639:trends; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous