title: Laryngology in Canada: results of a national survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laryngology is a rapidly evolving and growing field in Canada. Recent technologies and trends, including endoscopic techniques, KTP and pulsed dye lasers, injection materials, and in-office procedures, are changing the nature and depth of services offered to patients. Our objective was to understand the current state of laryngology practice in Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult laryngology practices in Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  We identified otolaryngologists working in Canada who self-identified as having a significant laryngology practice. We then asked them to complete an anonymous survey, with questions regarding composition of practice time, endoscopic equipment, electromyography, vocal cord medialization techniques, laser technologies, and plans for the future.
  
  
  METHODS
  Practice composition and use rates of available technology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten of 11 respondents reported that laryngology represents at least 20% of their practice (mean  =  53%). All employed rigid laryngoscopy, stroboscopy, and exclusively CO2 laser. Six used distal chip endoscopes, whereas three perform transnasal esophagoscopy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The survey results demonstrate that laryngology practice in Canada is approaching state of the art and that most laryngologists plan to increase the breadth and scope of their practice as newer technologies become available. Limited funding and national regulations limit the adoption of some cutting-edge techniques.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: McNeil
authors.forename: Timothy F E
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006306:Health Surveys / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*