Research at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery focuses on infections and malignancies of the nasal cavity, the pharynx, and the larynx as well as surgical treatment of oral cancer, thyroid and parathyroid gland diseases, and central airway stenosis.

Pharyngeal and other ENT infections
In collaboration with the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Statens Serum Institut, and general practitioners, the department has a long history of research into ENT infections with a special focus on tonsillar microbiology and the importance of Fusobacterium necrophorum.

Thyroid and parathyroid glands
Our main focus is related to the quality of surgical treatment of both benign and malignant diseases including potential complications. Since both thyroid and parathyroid glands are hormonally active, research also addresses these hormones and changes after surgery. For the individual patient, this may have either positive or negative consequences and may affect his/her quality of life, need for medical treatment, etc. Several research projects are performed in collaboration with the Departments of Endocrinology, Nephrology, Pathology, and Nuclear Medicine. All thyroid operations are registered in national databases.

Surgical treatment of oral cancer
Surgical treatment of oral cancer is challenging. Even after aggressive treatment, recurrences are well-known and  functional outcome is critical (food intake, speech, etc.). We perform research into the performance of the different flaps used for reconstruction of the mouth, including free flaps. 

Transoral robotic surgery 
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a promising modality for improvement of head and neck cancer management, especially for cancer of unknown primary (CUP) and oropharyngeal cancer. The use of robotics as a supplementary diagnostic modality in CUP, as a singly modality treatment in early oropharyngeal cancer as well as its cost-effectiveness are focuses of research.

Laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia and glottic cancer
Primary surgical treatment of laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia and early stage glottic cancer was introduced in 2012 based on the principles of transoral laser-microsurgery. Along with this approach, new diagnostic techniques were introduced. Research in this field focuses on the efficacy of the diagnostic work-up as well as treatment outcome and morbidity.

Central airway stenosis
Endoscopic and open resections of central airway stenoses are performed at our department. Our research aim is to improve the knowledge of the risks and complications of these procedures, with a focus to pinpoint the best operation for each patient. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
The utility of video extradition of continuous positive airway pressure, OSA after nasal surgery, and the relationship between OSA and craniofacial development are areas of scientific interest.

Head of Research
Clinical Associate Professor, DMSc
Tejs Ehlers Klug
E-mail: tejklu@rm.dk

Research administration
Lotte B. Snabe
E-mail: lottsnab@rm.dk