ABSTRACT
Telemedicine is a generic term summarizing all communication techniques assisting
to provide medical services over distance. This rapidly developing medical area provides
especially for the field of otorhinolaryngology with its high dependency on endoscopy
and microcopy vaulable options. For clinical examination of ear, nose, throat and
larynx, but also for postoperative care and surveillance of head and neck tumor patients
data exist using the telemedical approach. Furthermore, audiological telemedical measurements
even after Cochlear implantation are deemed feasible. While first data indicate interesting
approaches, they also demonstrate problems, if a telemedical approach is used without
proper preparation. Especially the observers at the remote location of the patients
and their training are highly important in this regard. This review summarizes the
current state of science of this rapidly changing are of research and clinical care.
Key words
Telemedicine - head and neck cancer - videootoscopy - palliative care
