Explore UAB

Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Faculty operating on a patient

The UAB Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery stands proudly among the nation's leaders in the field.

Specialities

We provide advanced care across the spectrum of head and neck disorders with surgeons practicing in all the areas of specialty, including:

Allergy

Chronic and recurrent nasal and sinus symptoms related to allergic disease are managed through UAB’s ENT Allergy Clinic. Evaluation may include skin testing, blood testing (RAST), endoscopic examination, and imaging to identify contributing allergens and sinonasal conditions. Treatment options include personalized medical therapy and immunotherapy, such as subcutaneous allergy injections or oral sublingual allergy drops, provided by a specially trained clinical team.

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Anterior and Lateral Skull Base

Complex diseases involving the skull base, sinuses, and nearby critical structures are treated through UAB’s anterior and lateral skull base services. Care prioritizes minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for tumors, pituitary lesions, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and encephaloceles, with open approaches used when necessary. State of the art technology and multidisciplinary expertise support the management of both routine and highly complex cases.

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Endocrine/Thyroid

Disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands are a major focus of endocrine care at UAB. Services include management of benign and malignant nodules, hyperparathyroidism, and endocrine tumors using minimally invasive surgical techniques, as well as non surgical options like radiofrequency ablation for select thyroid nodules. Multidisciplinary collaboration supports accurate diagnosis and effective, patient centered treatment.

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Facial Nerve Care

Facial nerve care at UAB provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting facial movement and expression, including facial paralysis, weakness, spasms, and synkinesis. Services address facial nerve disorders resulting from infection, trauma, tumors, congenital conditions, or surgery, using a combination of advanced diagnostics, rehabilitation therapy, and surgical intervention when appropriate. Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team with expertise in microvascular, craniofacial, and reconstructive techniques to support functional recovery and quality of life.

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Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

UAB’s facial plastic and reconstructive surgery services address both functional needs and aesthetic goals of the face, head, and neck. Offerings range from functional nasal surgery and reconstruction after skin cancer or trauma to cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery, injectables, and laser treatments. Surgical and non surgical techniques are carefully selected to restore form and function while enhancing appearance.

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Laryngology

Disorders of the voice, swallowing, and airway are evaluated and treated through UAB’s specialized laryngology services. Patients benefit from minimally invasive laryngeal procedures combined with integrated voice therapy delivered in close collaboration with speech language pathologists. Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic expertise is also available for singers and other professional voice users.

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Microvascular Reconstruction

Reconstruction following head and neck cancer surgery, trauma, or other complex defects is supported by UAB’s microvascular reconstruction services. Using microsurgical free tissue transfer, surgeons reconstruct the jaw, oral cavity, throat, and facial structures, frequently in conjunction with tumor removal. Care is delivered by fellowship trained surgeons within a multidisciplinary head and neck oncology team to optimize functional and oncologic outcomes.

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Otology / Neurotology

Advanced care for diseases of the ear and related neurologic structures is a cornerstone of otology and neurotology at UAB. Services address hearing loss, chronic ear disease, vestibular disorders, facial nerve conditions, and skull base tumors, with surgical options including cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing devices, and lateral skull base procedures. Care is designed for patients with both routine and highly complex ear and neurotologic conditions.

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Rhinology and Sinus Surgery

Conditions affecting the nose and sinuses, from chronic sinusitis to complex frontal sinus disease and sinonasal tumors, are treated through UAB’s rhinology and sinus surgery services. Care emphasizes advanced endoscopic techniques for sinus and skull base surgery, including management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and pituitary tumors. A multidisciplinary approach supports precise diagnosis and effective treatment across a wide range of sinonasal disorders.

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Salivary Gland Disease

Problems affecting saliva production and flow, such as gland obstruction, stones, infections, and tumors, are treated through UAB’s salivary gland disease services. When possible, minimally invasive techniques like sialendoscopy are used to diagnose and relieve ductal blockages while preserving the gland. Care is tailored to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and restore normal salivary function.

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Sleep Disorders

Sleep disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, is comprehensively evaluated and managed through UAB’s sleep disorders services. Patients receive individualized care that may include sleep studies, non surgical therapies such as CPAP, and a broad range of surgical options targeting airway obstruction at multiple levels. Treatment plans focus on improving sleep quality, overall health, and quality of life.

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Smell and Taste Disorders

Loss or disturbance of smell and taste is evaluated and treated through UAB’s specialized care for smell and taste disorders. Services address conditions related to COVID 19, head and facial trauma, neurologic disease, and other known or unknown causes, using comprehensive diagnostic testing and nasal examination when indicated. Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team to develop individualized treatment plans, including counseling and referral to specialty services as needed.

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Sullivan Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Program

The Pat and Jean Sullivan Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Program at UAB provides comprehensive support for patients and caregivers throughout treatment and survivorship, addressing challenges related to nutrition, communication, chronic pain, emotional well-being, work, and social connection. Through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach, the program helps survivors manage treatment side effects, improve quality of life, and access ongoing medical, educational, and peer-support resources.

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