Have you ever felt dizzy and realised it was due to an inner ear imbalance? Or had a sore throat that just wouldn’t go away after a cold? These are all part of what the specialists in CU Medicine’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery deal with every day.

The Department was formally established in 2007, evolving from its earlier role within the Department of Surgery since 1985 and is the only academic department in the field in Hong Kong. It covers a broad range of diseases and conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and head and neck. The Department is divided into eight specialised divisions － Otology & Neurotology, Rhinology, Speech Therapy, Laryngology, Audiology, Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, and Paediatric ENT. These divisions excel in both clinical care, research and teaching, making it a leading institution in its field.

 

The Department was formally established in 2007, evolving from its earlier role within the Department of Surgery since 1985.

 

Leading the Way in Minimally Invasive Surgery

The Department is a hub for advanced research, particularly in minimally invasive surgery. Recently, it has pioneered an advanced, fully flexible endoscope robot that revolutionises minimally invasive surgery. This new technology is particularly useful for delicate surgeries in narrow areas like the head and neck, where precision is critical. “Traditional robotic arms are too bulky for these procedures, especially in areas like the jaw, which can be small and hard to navigate,” said Professor Jason Ying Kuen Chan, the Department’s Chairman. “Our slimmer robotic arms allow for more refined movements, making it easier to perform complex surgeries like polyp removal or excision of cancerous tissues. With this new technology, surgeries are more flexible and quicker, benefiting more patients.”

The robot is compatible with existing endoscopes, ensuring seamless integration into current medical practices. Additionally, its minimally invasive nature reduces recovery time, enabling patients to be discharged the same day, significantly improving surgical efficiency and overall patient care.

 

The Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery is a hub for advanced research, particularly in minimally invasive surgery.

 

Pioneering Personalized Cancer Research

The Department also hosts the JC STEM Lab of Personalized Cancer Medicine. Established in 2023 with support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the lab is a cutting-edge facility that focuses on revolutionising early cancer detection and personalised treatment.

Led by Professor Andreas Möller, the lab primarily targets head- and-neck cancers, while also working to extend its breakthroughs to other cancer types. The team is developing non-invasive diagnostic tools, including a blood-based pan-cancer diagnostic that leverages advanced nanotechnology to identify early-stage cancers. With a focus on translational research, cell and animal models, and novel biomarkers, the lab is committed to advancing personalised cancer therapies and improving patient outcomes through innovative clinical trials.

Moving ahead, aligned with the CUHK innovation initiative and in harmony with the evolving landscape of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), there is a concerted effort to establish a center of technological innovation. As the ENT department endeavors to enhance, influence, and innovate in patient care, it remains committed to fostering creativity and forward-looking strategies. By harnessing the collective expertise within the department and cultivating partnerships, ENT persists in pushing limits, venturing into novel research domains, and striving for excellence.

 

As the ENT department endeavors to enhance, influence, and innovate in patient care, it remains committed to fostering creativity and forward-looking strategies.

 

 

 

Speaker:

Dr. CHAN Jason Ying Kuen
Chairman and Professor

Dr. David Yeung
Clinical Assistant Professor (honorary)

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
The Chinese University of Hong Kong