What is otolaryngology--head and neck surgery?

Under the influence of significant developments in the area of otolaryngology over the past two decades, this specialty has evolved into a comprehensive discipline of medicine and surgery of the head and neck region. The official name change in 1980 to "Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery" indicates this shift (and expansion) in emphasis. Problems that may now be considered to fall into the jurisdiction of the otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeon are discussed.