Laryngeal, , Thyroid & Esophageal Disorders . . .

Tonsillectomy

The tonsil glands serve as agents against infections. However, in some people, particularly in children who have large tonsils, these glands perform less efficiently and can cause frequent throat and ear infections or may obstruct breathing. In these cases, surgery to remove the tonsils is of benefit.

While the patient is under general anesthesia, the ENT surgeon holds the mouth open to expose the tonsils. The tonsils are then cut away with an instrument or a cautery (burning instrument). Bleeding is controlled, and the cut heals naturally without stitches.

Adenoidectomy

Adenoid removal, also called adenoidectomy, is the surgical removal of the adenoid glands from the area between the nasal airway and the back of the throat (nasopharynx). Adenoidectomy is frequently done in conjunction with surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy).

While the patient is under general anesthesia, the ENT surgeon inserts a small instrument into the mouth to prop it open. The adenoid tissue can be removed with an instrument such as a curette or a microdebrider. Some surgeons may opt to cauterize the adenoids instead of removing the tissue. Bleeding is controlled with packing and cauterization.

The patient will remain in the recovery room after surgery until he is awake and able to breathe easily, cough, and swallow. Most patients are allowed to go home several hours later.

Neck Mass Excision

There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most frequently seen lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, malignancy, and other rare causes. Enlargement of the submandibular salivary glands (under the jaw) may result from infection or malignancy. Lumps in the muscles of the neck, almost always in the front of the neck and involving the sternocleidomastoid muscle, result from injury or torticollis. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts such as sebaceous cysts.

The thyroid gland may also produce a lump, multiple lumps, or swelling in the neck as a result of thyroid disease or malignancy. Most cancers of the thyroid gland are extremely slow growing and often curable by surgery even if they have been present for several years.months to years to finish treatment, and you may need to have treatments throughout your life.