Gruber Operation

Gruber, Joseph (1827–1900), Austrian otolaryngologist, famous for his work in the treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Born in Vienna in the family of a doctor. In 1845 he graduated from the medical faculty of the University of Vienna, then worked as an assistant to the famous otorhinolaryngologist A. G. F. von Grafe. From 1858 he worked at the University of Vienna, where he became a professor of otorhinolaryngology.

Gruber developed a method for treating chronic diseases of the nose, throat and ears, which was called the Gruber operation. This method involves removing part of the cartilage that causes narrowing of the Eustachian tube (the canal that connects the nasal cavity to the middle ear cavity). Gruber believed that this method could improve ventilation of the middle ear and reduce the risk of developing otitis media. Gruber's operation became one of the most common operations in otorhinolaryngology at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.

In 1869, Gruber published his first monograph, “On the Treatment of Diseases of the Nose and Ear,” which became a reference book for many otorhinolaryngologists. He also wrote several other books on the treatment of ear and nose diseases.

In addition to his work in otorhinolaryngology, Gruber was also known for his research in the physiology of hearing and speech. He studied the mechanisms of perception of sounds and voices, and also developed methods for teaching pronunciation.

The Gruber operation was named after Joseph Grubers, but should not be confused with the more famous physician Joseph Gruber, who lived in the 18th century and was known for his work in human anatomy and physiology.