School of Medicine
Chair of Otorhinolaryngology
Treatment of conditions affecting the head and neck
The Chair of Otorhinolaryngology at Witten/Herdecke University is basedat the Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at St Josef’s Hospital, part of the Catholic Hospital in Hagen. The clinic offers the full range of modern ear, nose and throat medicine using state-of-the-art equipment. In terms of its structure, the clinic is divided into an Outpatient Centre, an Inpatient Centre, a Surgical Centre, the Hagen South Westphalia Hearing Centre and the DKG-certified Head and Neck Tumour Centre.
Research
‘Rhinology’ Working Group
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a condition with high prevalence and significant socio-economic implications. Consequently, there is considerable interest in elucidating the underlying pathomechanisms and developing specific and personalised treatment strategies. For example, biologics in the form of humanised monoclonal antibodies have opened up new therapeutic options in recent years. Our research group investigates the immunological disease processes underlying chronic rhinosinusitis, as well as the effects of novel therapies on the immunological healing process. The aim is to use this research to offer individually tailored treatment.
Head: Dr Lisa Knipps, MD
‘Audiology’ Working Group
Cochlear implants enable people with severe to profound inner-ear hearing loss to regain their hearing. Precise surgical planning is essential for cochlear implantation, as the anatomy of the temporal bone and the cochlea varies from person to person. In our research group, we are working on innovative imaging techniques to improve surgical planning, with the aim of optimising the placement of the auditory electrode and tailoring the choice of electrode to each individual.
Led by: Dr Simon Bohmann, Dr Annika Gebel
‘Robotics’ Working Group
In the field of plastic and reconstructive tumour surgery in the head and neck region, tissue transfer is frequently carried out using free flap techniques. For this, the performance of a microvascular anastomosis is crucial to ensure that the transferred tissue remains viable at the recipient site and heals properly. The aim of the research is to facilitate and improve the performance of microanastomosis of millimetre-sized vessels using innovative techniques.
Principal Investigator: Eren Erdogan
‘Machine Learning’ Working Group
As part of the increasing digitalisation of patient care, a vast amount of data is already available today, for example in the form of electronic health records, a ‘Picture Archiving and Communication System’ (PACS) or a hospital information system (HIS). Harnessing this resource through the integration of artificial intelligence methods offers opportunities to develop targeted, patient-specific care through personalised diagnosis and treatment planning. In this context, machine learning technologies open up the prospect of self-learning, automated support for patient care. Our research group is investigating the opportunities and risks involved.
Head: Dr Sabine Eichhorn, MD
‘Sleep Medicine’ Working Group
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterised by repeated collapse of the upper airways during sleep. This leads to pauses in breathing and reduced oxygen supply. In our research group, we focus on optimising the diagnosis and personalised treatment of OSAS.
Head: Dr Moeid Heidary, Dr Leonie Gottschling
‘Oncology/Head and Neck Tumours’ Working Group
Head and neck cancers are currently the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide. New and effective treatment methods are needed to improve patient survival. In our research group, we focus on investigating and developing new, promising and personalised therapeutic approaches for HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck cancers, as well as investigating potential prognostic biomarkers for head and neck cancers.
Head: Dr Inga M. C. Seuthe, Dr Sabine Eichhorn
Publications
All publications by the Chair of Otorhinolaryngology at UW/H are listed in the university bibliography.
Teaching
Lectures/Seminars
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology is integrated into the clinical phase of both the model degree programme in medicine and the degree programme in dentistry at Witten/Herdecke University.
Clinical clerkship
You are welcome to apply for a clinical clerkship at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Hagen. The aim of the clerkship is to learn and develop your understanding of examination techniques in otorhinolaryngology. In addition, the clinical clerkship is designed to give you an insight into the broad spectrum of surgical and conservative treatments in ear, nose and throat medicine. The teaching programme is tailored to the duration of the clinical clerkship and your general level of training. The clinical clerkship is intended to encourage active participation in patient care. If you are interested in undertaking a clinical clerkship at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Witten/Herdecke University, please feel free to contact us by email.
Practical year
A clinical rotation at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Witten/Herdecke University offers you an in-depth insight into the specialist practice of an ear, nose and throat doctor. Otolaryngology encompasses a broad range of medical practice. In addition to a wide range of surgical procedures – including microsurgical, endoscopic and plastic-reconstructive procedures in the head and neck region – and the holistic care of outpatients and inpatients, it also encompasses audiology, neuro-otology, phoniatrics, allergology and cosmetic and aesthetic medicine.
The teaching programme is individually tailored to the duration of the clinical year. In addition to being assigned a junior or senior doctor as a mentor, the curriculum includes placements on the ward, in the operating theatre and in the ENT outpatient clinic. Furthermore, you will gain an insight into the specialist areas of paediatric audiology, phoniatrics, audiology and vestibular diagnostics. Training in manual surgical techniques, as preparation for the medical profession, is explicitly encouraged. If you are interested in completing a clinical rotation at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Witten/Herdecke University, please feel free to contact us by email.
Chair holders
Prof. Dr. med.
J.-H. Park
Chair Holder
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Otorhinolaryngology
Dreieckstraße 17
58097 HagenProf. Dr. med.
Steffen Maune
Associate Professorship of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Otorhinolaryngology
Neufelder Str. 32
51067 Köln
You can find a list of all current team members of the Chair of Otorhinolaryngology on the website of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at St Joseph’s Hospital, part of the Catholic Hospital in Hagen.