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Procedures Done by an Otolaryngologist

Otolaryngologists, also referred to as ENT specialists, are specialists in the treatment of disorders afflicting the ears, nose and throat. Their training includes intervention through a wide range of methods, from prescribing a course of medication to performing surgery. Otolaryngologists perform a variety of procedures to treat the anatomical area they specialize in, ranging from simple outpatient procedures to extensive surgical intervention requiring intensive postoperative care.

  1. Neck Dissection

    • Neck dissection is performed to remove cancerous lymph nodes and any other cancerous tissue within the neck, with the goal of removing the cancer while leaving as much healthy tissue intact as possible. The otolaryngologist relies on his physical examination of the patient's lymph nodes along with results from an extensive battery of tests to determine what tissue to extract. During the procedure, the otolaryngologist makes an incision in his patient's neck, then retracts the skin to expose the cancerous tissue and permit its removal.

    PE Tube Placement

    • Pressure equalization tube placement is an effective treatment for pediatric patients who suffer serious recurring middle ear infections. The otolaryngologist begins by creating a myringotomy, a tiny incision in the front of the eardrum to allow PE tube insertion. The otolaryngologist then drains the accumulated fluid from the middle ear and inserts the PE tube. The otolaryngologist will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the tubes are functioning and that the incision has healed properly.

    Septoplasty

    • A septoplasty corrects defects of the septum--the tissue that divides the nasal cavities. A septoplasty can align a deviated septum that impairs breathing and can repair holes in the septum caused by long-term drug use. During the procedure, the otolaryngologist makes an incision in the side of the nose, lifts the underlying mucous membrane, then excises excess bone and cartilage and performs any other required reconstructive work.

    Thyroidectomy

    • The thyroid gland assists in regulating the human body's metabolism. But if it's overactive, cancerous or has become the site of a cyst, a thyroidectomy is necessary. The otolaryngologist makes an incision upon the neck, directly above the thyroid gland, and excises some or all of the thyroid. In some cases, it's necessary to place a catheter in the patient's neck following the procedure for one to two days to drain accumulated fluid.

    Tonsillectomy

    • Tonsillectomies are most often performed on patients with histories of chronic tonsillitis. The otolaryngologist excises the tonsils, cauterizes the extraction site with an electric cauterizing unit, then removes them through the patient's mouth. A surgical steel scalpel is most often used for excision, though newer instruments are used in some facilities, including harmonic scalpels which use ultrasound to simultaneously cut away and cauterize the tonsils, and carbon dioxide laser scalpels that vaporize the tonsils.

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