I am what co-organiser Gauthier Desuter calls a frequent flyer at Winter Days of Laryngology, so it was an absolute must for me to be part of the 12th event. As a laryngologist, you are always learning, especially when you can exchange ideas with colleagues on a professional level, as you do here in the informal and familiar surroundings of the Hotel de l'Étrier in Crans Montana. As a think tank, this meeting is absolutely enriching.
Even if the weather did not cooperate and the snow conditions were rather precarious, it is always relaxing to breathe fresh mountain air for a few days. The focus this year was on oropharyngeal dysphagia, laryngeal trauma, and neurolaryngology and LEMG. Everyday problems were described transparently and in an understandable and practical way by first-class speakers from all over the world and discussed afterwards. Peek Woo impressively explained how small Zenker’s diverticula can be treated surgically. Jennifer Anderson used various examples from her clinical experience to show how different laryngeal extraumas have to be treated surgically. Fabian Volk, an expert in the field of LEMG, showed the diversity of different neuronal patterns and how they have to be interpreted.
The apéro in the evening after the lectures was as legendary as every year. This is where new networks, projects and friendships are formed. The traditional raclette was great. Being Swiss, I am spoiled when it comes to cheese quality, which is why I can say with a clear conscience that this raclette was sensationally good. Also, the wine selection in the Valais is, of course, not to be despised. About the later activities after dinner, I would like to hold back – everyone should keep this memory for themselves.
On Saturday morning the meeting closed with several practical courses on injection laryngoplasty, blue laser, radiofrequency and montgomery thyroplasty. Here the participants could try out the handling of blue laser, perform medialisation thyroplasty for the first time, or even listen to the sounds of LEMG and try to interpret them.
Even though the meeting in the Swiss Alps has its price, it is an unforgettable event to be there every year. See you next year, 17-20 January 2024.
Professor Claudio Storck, University Hospital, Basel.
