About Us

Who We Are

Welcome to the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art evidence-based surgical care for head and neck tumors, reconstructive head and neck surgery, upper airway surgery, and treatments for conditions affecting the ears, hearing, and balance. Our Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, and the Otology/Neuro-Otology Programs employ a multidisciplinary approach in order to deliver highly personalized care to our patients.

Vision

Our vision is to be world leaders in the fields of Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Microsurgery and Otologic Surgery. We will advance the field by ground breaking research and training the next generation of otolaryngologists, subspecialists in head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery, otology, neuro-otology, and skull base surgery.

Mission

Our goal is to help you and your support team cope successfully with your diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. We will consult with you at all stages so that you know what to expect and how to deal with each step along the way.

Programs

The Department of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery has a major focus in the management of Tumors of the Head and Neck with the following areas of expertise and collaboration.

The Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Program

Consists of six programs as well as other surgical and medical disciplines

The Wharton H&N Program at the PMCC is one of the worlds largest centres focused on the treatment of H&N Cancer. The treatment of H&N Cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach and frequently requires the Integration of Radiation Therapy, Systemic or Chemotherapy and Surgery. The program also requires advanced expertise in Oral Oncology and Dentistry, including Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Speech and Language Pathology, Nutrition, Oncology Nursing, Rehabilitation, Palliative Care and Psychosocial Oncology. The Princess Margaret Program offers all of these services in a fully integrated multidisciplinary program.

The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N Surgery provides advanced expertise in the management of diseases of the Thyroid and Parathyroids. Collaborating through the Endocrine Site Group at the PMCC our surgeons provide advanced expertise in the surgical management of thyroid tumors and tumors and disorders of the parathyroid glands. The UHN program in Endocrine Surgery represents one of the highest volume centres for the treatment of Thyroid Tumors in the Province of Ontario.

The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N Surgery provides advanced expertise in the management of diseases and tumors involving the sinuses and the anterior and lateral skull-base. Collaborating with the Division of Neurosurgery at UHN and the Wharton Head and Neck Program the Department has expertise in Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Nose, Sinuses and Skull Base, including diseases of the Temporal Bone and Ear. In addition the Department has an active interest in the reconstruction of these regions of the Head and Neck and contributes academically to the development of innovative treatment approaches and outcomes research in this highly complex area of H&N Oncology.

The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N Surgery provides advanced expertise the management of skin cancers affecting the H&N. Working Collaboratively with the Skin Site Group at PMCC and Mohs Surgery Unit at the Womens College Hospital the Department has advanced surgical expertise in the surgical management of skin tumors of all types, including sentinel node biopsy and complex facial reconstruction.

The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N Surgery provides advanced expertise in the use of minimally invasive approaches to the surgical management of H&N tumors. Working with the Wharton Head and Neck Program is the Department has the largest experience in the use of Transoral Robotic Surgery and MIS Laryngeal Surgery for tumors of the Oropharynx, Tongue Base and Larynx. The Department also leads Nationally and Internationally in the assessment and development of Robotic Techniques in the Management of Head and Neck tumors.

The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N Surgery is an international leader in the development and use of Reconstructive Microsurgical Techniques in the reconstruction of patients undergoing complex surgeries for the remove of H&N tumors. The UHN program has developed and evaluated numerous techniques for reconstruction of maxilla, mandible, larynx and airway. In addition the Department is highly sought after training site for Head and Neck Surgeons from all over the world who have an interest in Reconstructive Microsurgery. The UHN program is the highest volume provider of complex H&N reconstructive procedures in Canada.

The Otology/Neurotology Program

Consists of five programs and involve a highly specialized multi-disciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, and audiologists.

Disorders of Balance and Hearing can be extremely disabling for patients and dramatically impact an individuals quality of life. The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N Surgery in collaboration with our Advance Audiology and Balance Testing program and a team of Neurologists and Psychiatrists has advanced expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients with disorders of balance and hearing loss. The program has a particular focus on rehabilitation to mitigate symptoms of balance disturbances through its Vestibular Rehabilitation program.

The treatment of disorders of the ear and vestibular system may require surgical treatment to address hearing loss or prevent recurrent balance disorders. The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N surgery has advanced expertise in the management of disorders of the ear that impact hearing and has advanced expertise in reconstructive procedures of the ear to recreate or restore hearing. In addition, disorders of the vestibular system may require surgical interventions to reduce or prevent dizziness and the disability associated with recurrent vestibular symptoms. Our team has advanced expertise in the surgical management of these conditions and the evaluation of their effectiveness.

The Department of Otolaryngology/H&N Surgery has advanced expertise in the surgical management of tumors of the Lateral Skull Base. Working collaboratively with the Division of Neurosurgery and the Radiation Oncology Team at the Princess Margaret, the team has advanced expertise in the treatment of Benign and Malignant Tumors affecting the Ear and Temporal Bone. In collaboration with the Radiation Oncology Team at PMCC the group also provides referral and access to the Gamma-Knife facility for non-invasive management of Lateral Skull Base Tumors.

Clinical Trials

At the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UHN, we are committed to advancing knowledge and creating new standards of care and practice through clinical trials.