History of Rhinology

Rhinology refers to the study of the nose, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx. The field today involves an understanding of basic science principles including physiology as it relates to the mucociliary blanket, molecular biology with respect to the inflammatory process, and microbiology as it concerns the ever-changing spectrum of organisms that may infect the sinus passages. Equally important are the newer surgical procedures that deal with the disease in this anatomic region. The transition from open techniques to an endoscopic approach has enabled the modern physician to access vital structures in a more anatomic and functional manner. During the second half of the nineteenth century, major progress was made in learning the anatomy and physiology of the nose and sinuses. With the beginning of the twentieth century, an outburst of technology aroused that provided notable advances in the kind and quantity of surgeries carried out. Today’s knowledge of the anatomy to a great deal goes back to the basic work of Emil Zuckerkandl of Austria who, starting from the 1870s, described in subtle studies the anatomical and developmental details of the nose and sinuses, opening an entire new era regarding the clinical and surgical approach to the area. The several years around the turn of the century stand out with research on sectional and surgical anatomy, generating the specialty of rhinology and creating today’s principles of diagnosis and therapy of disorders of the nose and sinuses. Names such as Grunwald, Onodi, Hajek, and many more are closely associated with this particular productive interval. Historical progress of rhinology is also interesting. In this chapter, history of rhinology is presented in detail.