Otorhinolaryngology--head and neck surgery--its beginnings and development in Singapore

Otolaryngology which had a modest beginning in Singapore as part of general surgery in the late twenties, developed into a full-fledged independent unit by 1957. From the provision of simple basic emergency and secondary patient care during the early period, the speciality has progressed steadily to its present advanced state where its area has been enlarged from the traditional Ear, Nose and Throat to extend from the Skull Base down to the Neck. Microsurgery was introduced in 1958 and this enabled widening of the scope of work. Increased traineeship programmes along with subspecialisation in various fields in Otolaryngology have significantly enlarged the pool of available specialists. This, together with advanced diagnostic and supportive facilities have contributed to much better patient management.