Three of the Most Common ENT Surgeries
If you’re suffering from sinus problems, chronic ear infections, or throat issues, it’s time to pay a visit to the ENT clinic. Ear, nose, and throat doctors can often solve your medical condition with medications or non-invasive treatments. However, sometimes you’ll need surgery. Most ENT surgical procedures are minimally invasive and can be completed in an outpatient facility. Here are three of the most common operations that ENT doctors perform.
1. Tonsillectomy
If you experience persistent sore throats, severe tonsil stones, sleep apnea, and difficulty swallowing, you could be a good candidate for a tonsillectomy. Though tonsils are a part of the immune system, you can easily survive without them. Chronic tonsil infections and masses or lesions on the tonsils are both valid reasons for a tonsil operation. The outpatient procedure takes about 45 minutes and involves removing the tonsils through the mouth.
Children are typical recipients of tonsillectomies and can expect a one-week recovery. Since the procedure is more intense for adults, it’s less likely that someone over 18 will get one. However, some more severe cases are worth the risk. Adults can expect to recover in about 2 weeks, often with the assistance of post-op medication.
2. Myringotomy
Chronic ear infections and dysfunctional Eustachian tubes can lead to painful fluid buildup in the middle ear. This can affect hearing and sometimes cause dizziness, fevers, and malaise. Thankfully, ENT specialists can resolve this problem with a myringotomy. During this minor procedure, the doctor will make a small incision in the eardrum to relieve pressure. Sometimes they place a small tube in the incision to keep it open, allowing the ear and eustachian tube to drain, ventilate, and heal over time.
For adults and older children, a myringotomy can be done in-office. Young children will have it done in an operating room under general anesthesia. Without an ear tube, the incision should close in a week or so. If the ENT specialist decides to insert the tube, it will naturally fall out within 6-18 months.
3. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Suffering from frequent or prolonged sinus infections? Sometimes medication just isn’t enough. An endoscopic sinus surgery could be the solution. During this 60-minute outpatient procedure, an ENT doctor will insert a small endoscope into the nose and use microsurgical instruments to safely open blocked sinus passages. This will allow them to drain more freely and prevent infections from forming.
Once the endoscopic sinus procedure is complete, you can expect a 1-week recovery involving some nasal congestion. Medications are available to help with any post-op discomfort.
Honorable Mention: Septoplasty
When you think of corrective nose surgery, a plastic surgeon probably comes to mind. But ENT doctors also commonly perform nasal surgeries, especially on the septum. Patients with extreme septum deviations can get relief from congestion, sinus infections, and sleep disorders with a septoplasty. With this minimally invasive surgery, ENT specialists can straighten the deviated septum with the assistance of an endoscope. The operation typically takes 60 minutes to complete.
Recovery from a septoplasty is around a week and can involve congestion and some discomfort. Most can still participate in light physical activity. Medication is available to control post-op soreness and congestion.
Breathe Clear Institute Offers ENT Surgeries for Those Who Need Them
If you’re suffering from chronic ear, nose, or throat issues, Breathe Clear Institute has the tools and expertise to get you on a path to better health. Before you can undergo surgery, the medical professionals at our Torrance ENT clinic will thoroughly evaluate you. Since there are so many causes for ENT issues, we will need to determine the best ENT treatment for your particular problem. If surgery is the right course of action, you can rest assured that our doctors will treat you with the utmost care, before, during, and after the procedure. Schedule an appointment and start feeling better today.