More than 1,300 physicians and specialists from around the world are taking part in a conference which is reviewing key medical fining in a variety of disciplines that involve rhinology and otology, in Dubai, UAE.

The three-day fifth Emirates Rhinology and Otology Conference, which will conclude tomorrow (January 16) at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City, has been organised by the Otolaryngology Division at the Emirates Medical Association in collaboration with European Federation and the Arab Otorhinolaryngology Society.

Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, director general of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said: “Today’s world is currently witnessing a lot of changes and international developments in various fields – and the health sector is one of these, as it relates to human health. Herein lies the importance of this congress, as we review key medical findings in a variety of disciplines that involve rhinology and otology.”

The leadership of the UAE has paid special attention to the health sector through opening specialised hospitals and health centres that have been attracting the best and most capable medical devices and equipment used to speed up the processes of diagnosis and treatment, he said.

Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman, assistant undersecretary for Health Centers and Clinics, Ministry of Health, and president of ORL, Head and Neck Society, EMA, said the congress will discuss various topics that cover all disease related to otolaryngology.

It will also discuss other related topics such as plastic surgery and its most recent developments; the use of endoscopes in surgical procedures of the nose, ears, throat, and sinuses; skull-based surgeries through the nose with surgical navigators; speech disorders; and difficulties swallowing.

One of the sessions will be dedicated to discussing the modern methods adopted for cosmetic and medical rhinoplasty operations.

It will also discuss issues of apnea and snoring alongside the latest methods of diagnosis and treatment; surgical procedures in the ear to improve hearing and cochlear implants; and various topics related to the field of medicine and ear, nose, and throat surgeries, said Dr Rahman.

He also stressed that the congress presents the perfect opportunity for all Otorhinolaryngologists in the Arab world to collaborate and compile information regarding the latest technology and research in the fields of Otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgeries.

Dr Rahman also announced the establishment of a medical research committee focused on otorhinolaryngology in the Arab world.

The committee, which will be headed by Dr Mazen Al Khabawi, head of the Arab Board for Otorhinolaryngology from Oman, will start receiving significant research from specialised physicians from each Arab state.

A neutral committee will also be established and will be comprised of international physicians who will examine the research. Winners will be announced in the 6th Congress next year in Dubai, he said.

The congress also features four training workshops including topics regarding dizziness; medical research; and micro-surgeries in the otitis media (middle ear). An elite group of international physicians are supervising the workshops and channel their hands-on experiences in handling such operations for specialists within UAE and the region.

“In terms of prevalence, the most common rhinology and otology diseases are sinus diseases with 15 per cent, followed by nose allergy and apnea problems with 10 per cent, and head and neck cancer tumours with three per cent,” said Dr Rahman.

He urged all concerned entities and individuals to raise awareness regarding preventive measures.

“Primarily, avoid exposure to dust, avoid smoking, and clean air-ducts and air-conditioning thoroughly and regularly- where fungi tend to grow,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service