[Mini-endoscopy in the head and neck region].

Minimally invasive, in particular endoscopic treatment modalities are an important topic in medicine today. Over the last 15 years mini-endoscopy (ME) has been introduced and established in different fields of the head and neck region. ME includes endoscopy of the Eustachian tube, middle ear, lacrimal duct system and duct system of the major salivary glands. Direct visualization by endoscopy enables rapid, efficient and accurate diagnosis and treatment planning according to the findings. In the majority of cases simultaneous interventional therapy is possible. This has lead to a fundamental change in treatment regimes which now aim to preserve the anatomic structure and function. In specialized centers the frequency of external dacryocystostomy could be reduced to less than 10% by means of endoscopic surgery of the lacrimal system, while the frequency of parotidectomy was reduced to below 5%. This development allows not only for medical advances, but also for the desired cost reduction on the part of the administrative organs responsible for providing medical care.