Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries include a broad range of procedures performed around these structures. These procedures are designed to treat a variety of conditions and are typically performed by ENT surgeons. ENT procedures are commonly done under general anaesthesia and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common ENT procedures:
Septoplasty (Repairing Deviated Septum)
Septoplasty surgery is a standard procedure used to correct a deviated septum. In this condition, the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils is displaced to one side or the other. This defect can cause breathing difficulties, snoring and other health problems. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision inside the nose and then reshape or reposition the septum to improve airflow.
Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair)
Tympanoplasty, also known as eardrum repair, is a surgical procedure used to repair a perforated eardrum or to reconstruct the middle ear bones. A perforated eardrum can occur due to a variety of reasons such as infection, injury or exposure to loud noises. When the eardrum is perforated, it can lead to hearing loss and dizziness and is also susceptible to infections. During the procedure, a surgeon makes an incision behind the ear and raises the ear canal to access the middle ear. The surgeon can then remove any obstruction from the ear canal or examine the perforated eardrum.
Turbinectomy (Repair Nasal Airway)
Turbinectomy, also known as turbinate reduction, is a procedure focused on repairing the nasal airway by reducing the size of the turbinates. The turbinates are small structures located in the nasal cavity that help to warm and humidify the air we breathe. When the turbinates become swollen or enlarged due to allergies, infection or other factors, they can obstruct the nasal airway, leading to difficulty breathing and other symptoms. During a turbinectomy, a surgeon will remove a portion of the turbinate tissue to reduce its size and improve nasal airflow. Turbinectomy can be performed using several techniques including laser, cautery or a microdebrider.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy involves the removal of the tonsils, which are two small masses of tissue located at the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy is often performed to treat recurrent tonsillitis, sleep apnea or other conditions that cause enlarged tonsils and difficulty breathing. A surgeon typically uses a scalpel to remove the tonsils from the back of the throat. The tonsils are then sent to a laboratory for examination to rule out the presence of cancer or other abnormalities. In some cases, tonsillectomy may also be recommended to treat certain types of cancer, although this is relatively rare.
Ear, nose and throat surgeries are able to treat conditions that have a big impact on your quality of life. Contact Centurion Day Hospital to book a consultation if you are suffering from any of these ailments. Our surgeons will help you find the right procedure for you and guide you through the process and answer any of your questions to put your mind at ease.