12.1 Introduction of 3D exoscopes in reconstructive microsurgery Exoscopic technology was first introduced in free flap reconstruction in 2017. In particular, Piatkowski et al. described their experience in breast reconstruction with a bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. The authors highlighted…
11.1 Technological advancements in thyroid and parathyroid surgery At the beginning of the 21st century, technological advancements in thyroid and parathyroid surgery served to obtain better cosmetics results and lower postoperative pain. Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy relied on…
10.1 Introduction Benign parotid tumors have historically been treated by parotidectomy focused on the complete resection of the neoplasm with facial nerve preservation. Parotid masses were formerly managed via surgical enucleation, as first described by Béclard in 1824 with the…
9.1 Introduction 9.1.1 Anatomy and physiology of the lacrimal drainage apparatus The lacrimal drainage apparatus is a system that carries tears, produced by the lacrimal gland, from the ocular surface to the nasal cavity. It is defined by the following…
8.1 Introduction Literature includes some studies about the use of an exoscope in neurosurgery, either as an exclusive instrument or in combination with the microscope. The use of the operative exoscope has recently been introduced in head and neck surgery,…
7.1 Historical background In ear surgery, optical magnification and stereopsis are essential in identifying anatomical structures and performing surgical procedures safely and successfully. The need for stereopsis and the importance of three-dimensional perception of the complex anatomy of the ear…
6.1 Introduction The oropharynx is currently one of the most affected sites in head and neck oncology. Over the past 20 years, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer has increased significantly, especially in younger people. This trend is clearly related to…
5.1 Historical background Salivary stones were extracted as far as before Renascence, as well as abscesses and ranulas. With corpse dissection from the mid-17th century, the increasing anatomic and functional knowledge allowed to broaden surgical techniques. In 1656, Thomas Wharton…
4.1 The exoscope in transoral laryngeal surgery 4.1.1 Background The recent development of exoscopic systems was first aimed for surgical recording and teaching purposes. Then, the implementation with 3D cameras, 4K resolution, and ergonomic holders have driven increasing interest in…
3.1 The introduction of exoscopes in microlaryngeal surgery The use of the operating microscope in laryngology was first introduced in 1960 by Scalco, Shipman, and Tabb in New Orleans, United States. In their work, they described the applicability of a…