Common ENT surgeries involving throat are tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils) and adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids). Tonsils and adenoids are a part of our lymphatic system contributing to the body’s defense mechanism. Surgical removal of these glands is only recommended when these get chronically infected and cannot be managed with medications. Chronic adenoid inflammation can also cause middle-ear infections leading to hearing problems.
Other throat problems demanding ENT intervention include disorders of larynx or voice box and esophagus or problems associated with breathing and swallowing. Laryngectomy is another surgical procedure involving the elimination of larynx. Micro Laryngeal surgery is a minimally invasive procedure done to rectify voice disorders and any other difficulties related to larynx. Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure where a hole is created in the neck to insert a wind pipe and connect it to the trachea. This is done to remove the airway block allowing the lungs to function properly.
Ear surgery is done to rectify hearing problems. This may include reconstruction of the ear drum (tympanoplasty). The procedure is done if the patient experiences abnormal mid-ear scaring, echoing or loss of hearing. Tympanoplasty is of two types – Type I and Type II. Type I is done to treat perforation of the eardrum. Type II is done to rectify perforations in the tympanic membrane.
Stapedectomy is the partial or total removal of bones from the middle ear done to treat loss of hearing. An external device known as cochlear implants is placed in the ear to enable hearing. Another common ear surgery is Myringotomy where ear tubes are inserted to drain out fluids from patients with chronic ear infections.
One of the key skills of ENT specialists is in the care of nasal cavity and sinus. Typical nasal surgeries involve sinus surgery, septoplasty or rectification of a deviated septum and relieving chronic nasal congestions. However, advanced endoscopic surgeries have eliminated the need for major invasive surgeries to some extent.
A modern approach to sinus surgery known as FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) aims to maintain the functioning of sinuses by drilling holes in the sinus and removing the tissue lining.
Rhinoplasty is another surgery performed by ENT surgeons to rectify or reconstruct any nasal defect. Although common as a plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons, this procedure is done to rectify congenital nasal defects or those caused by an injury.
Recovery period of ENT surgeries depends on the nature of the surgery and patient’s health conditions. To minimize the chances of infection, frequent wound dressing and post op care need to be strictly adhered to. Hospital stay may vary from few hours to few days depending on the surgery.