The College of Otorhinolaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgeons has been conducting annual academic sessions focusing on different areas of speciality since its establishment in 2002.

The theme of the 18^th annual academic sessions is “Inspire to Respire” focusing on surgical management and prevention of laryngotracheal stenosis. Most of the time, this problem is iatrogenic rather than congenital, occurring as a result of endotracheal tube cuff injuries which are becoming increasingly common due to the large number of patients requiring ventilator support.

The chief resource person for this year’s sessions is Dr. Kishore Sandu, an eminent surgeon from Switzerland, who has gracefully accepted our invitation. He is familiar to most of our ENT surgeons as he has conducted similar ‘tracheal airway surgery’ workshops in Sri Lanka in the past. I warmly welcome him to this year’s sessions.

Finally, I warmly welcome all the delegates and resource personnel to the 18^th Annual Academic sessions.  I sincerely hope that this will be of immense benefit to all the participants while also being an excellent opportunity for professional advancement and networking.

Dr. K.D.R.A Kirihene
President CORLHNS,
Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon,
National Hospital of Sri Lanka,
Colombo.