Early contributions by Otolaryngologists in head and neck reconstructive surgery

Abstract

Purpose: Examination of contributions of Otolaryngologists to head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Methods: Historical Evaluation.

Results: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as a surgical specialty has come to dominate the related fields of head and neck cancer ablative surgery as well as reconstruction as a result of those leaders who established our profession. While some otolaryngologists have always been at the forefront of head and neck surgery and reconstruction; as surgery has become more specialized in the past century, that expertise has been increasingly consolidated within specific academic institutions and training programs.

Conclusion: An examination of the various academic trends, world events, and scientific breakthroughs which allowed the advancement of head and neck reconstruction reveals a fascinating history of our specialty.

Keywords: Conley; Head; History; Microvascular; Neck; Otolaryngology; Reconstruction.