• Providers and Locations
• Audiology
• Balance Center
• Cranial Base Surgery
• Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• General Otolaryngology
• Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
• Rhinology (Sino-Nasal Conditions and Surgery)
  • Clinical Care
  • Allergy Clinic
  • Education
  • Research and Clinical Trials
  • Team Members
  • Location
• Otology/Neurotology
• Smell and Taste Disorders
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Transoral Robotic Surgery
• Voice, Speech and Swallowing Disorders

For Patients Make an Appointment Encyclopedia Articles about Ear, Nose and Throat

Rhinology is defined as the science of the anatomy, functions and diseases of the nose, nasal passages and sinuses. Rhinologic surgeons provide both medical treatment and surgical intervention for a wide variety of disorders that vary from chronic sinus infection to sinus and skull base tumors.

The study and treatment of the nose can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. Today, recent advances in technology and research have facilitated new, successful treatments for symptoms that were not previously available. Surgery has been improved by a better understanding of the function of nasal passages and how they function and interact with the surrounding tissue and organs through endoscopy. At the same time, scientists have developed a wider range of medications to effectively deal with many conditions, such as inflammation and infection.

The most notable advance in the last 25 years has been the development of less invasive surgical procedures, specifically endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic sinus surgery aids in reducing pain and shortens recovery time for the surgical patient. 

Dr. David Kennedy, Rhinology Professor and former Department Chairman and Vice Dean of Professional Services at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is credited with pioneering endoscopic sinus surgery in the United States.  It was Dr. Kennedy who coined the phrase “functional endoscopic sinus surgery” or “FESS” to highlight the goal of the procedure to open nasal passages to improve drainage while maintaining normal nasal function.  This procedure is indicated for patients with acute or chronic problems who have not responded to medical therapy.

The Rhinology Division is committed to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery’s three-part mission.   James N. Palmer, MD, who joined the department in 2001, was named Director of the Division of Rhinology in 2007. Dr. Palmer has assembled a rhinology team which combines a wealth of knowledge and experience with an abundance of fresh ideas and a dedication to advancing the latest technologies and cutting-edge research to assure the best possible patient care, medical education and scientific research.

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