What is Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery?
An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck surgeon ( Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon) is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the head and neck, especially those related to the ear, nose and throat. The specialty encompasses management of ear disease and hearing loss, endoscopic examination of air and food passages, care of nose and sinuses, tumors of the head and neck, laryngeal and thyroid disorders and facial cosmetic surgery. Otolaryngology has thus evolved into a multi faceted specialty caring for patients of all ages who have a variety of disorders of the head and neck.
All Otolaryngologists, as Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, are qualified to manage the more commonly encountered and less complex problems of the paediatric age group.
What is Paediatric Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery?
Several factors underlie the need for a group of otolaryngologists with special training and credentials to care for paediatric patients. These include the unique differences between children and adults in all areas of ear, nose, throat, head and neck.
Children are not just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions and may not be cooperative with examination. Paediatric Otolaryngologists are trained to evaluate and treat children in a manner that makes them relaxed and cooperative.
Paediatric Otolaryngologists are those, who by means of additional specialized education and experience have clearly demonstrated their dedication and qualifications in the discipline of paediatric otolaryngology, above and beyond those expected of other Otolaryngologists.