Recent advancements in minimally invasive surgeries are revolutionizing treatments in the field of otolaryngology, according to Carlos Ruiz Escudero, head of the Otolaryngology Service at Olympia Quirónsalud. These innovations enable outpatient procedures and more precise rehabilitation methods for disorders related to balance, voice, and nasal and auditory issues.
With outpatient surgery, patients can often be discharged on the same day as their procedures. This approach allows for the use of lower-intensity anesthesia, resulting in quicker and more comfortable recoveries at home. Current minimally invasive techniques are applicable to most nasal surgeries—such as those addressing the septum and polyps—as well as laryngeal surgeries, which include the treatment of vocal cord polyps and nodules, and ear surgeries like drainage and tympanic surgeries. These procedures are performed with a focus on patient safety, achieved through careful selection of both patients and surgical methods.
One of the most notable initiatives is the Vestibular Project, a multidisciplinary effort that combines physiotherapy, neurology, and rehabilitation to address balance disorders. The integration of virtual reality into vestibular rehabilitation has significantly improved treatment accuracy and accelerated functional recovery for patients, facilitating their return to work and social activities.
Furthermore, the center is equipped with advanced technologies, such as videofibrolaryngoscopes featuring Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) systems and state-of-the-art audiometric equipment, which enhance diagnostic precision and enable efficient digital monitoring.
Ruiz emphasized the critical role of prevention and health education in managing these conditions, noting that otolaryngologists must inform patients about the causes and habits that can impact their health. Looking ahead, he anticipates an increase in the application of robotic surgery and high-precision cutting technologies, such as blue laser systems, which promise to yield safer surgeries with improved functional outcomes. The team also plans to expand its subspecialties, establishing units dedicated to sleep disorders, vertigo, and swallowing issues.
