title: Restitutio ad integrum: the kingsway of otorhinolaryngological surgery.
abstract: In general, surgical procedures are confined to curative or palliative measures converting the original anatomy into auxiliary configurations. Otorhinolaryngology, among other disciplines, is often privileged to offer normalization of both the bony superstructure and its epithelial surfaces. A general trend to such restitutional procedures has emerged during recent decades, though radical transformations are still popular. Utilizing endoscopic sinus surgery, middle-ear microsurgery and endo-microscopic laser surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract as paradigms, this literary analysis tries to propagate preservation of the natural form as an ideal. Endoscopic access, staged and multidirectional approaches and computer-aided navigation belong to the related surgical armature. Looking at the functional end results, the higher expense of training and costs appears to be rewarding.
authors.affiliation: HNO-Heilkunde, Plastische Operationen, Sana-Klinik Nürnberg, Wespennest 11, 90408 Nürnberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Malte Erik
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Wigand
mesh_terms: D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*