Tonsillectomy
What is it?
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils.
Who is it for?
The procedure is indicated when a person has ongoing or recurring episodes of tonsillitis, recurring episodes of strep throat in a single year despite antibiotic treatment or abscesses of the tonsils do not respond to drainage. Especially in children, the tonsils may be so large that they affect night-time breathing, in which case the tonsils are also removed.
Recovery time
The procedure does not usually require an overnight stay. The patient can expect a very sore throat that may last for several days. It may affect the sound and volume of a person’s voice, and his or her ability to eat and drink.
Risks
The normal or expected risks of a tonsillectomy include some bleeding after surgery.
Myringotomy
What is it?
Myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a tiny incision is made in the eardrum to relieve pressure caused by excessive build up of fluid, or to drain pus from the middle ear. A tube is inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a period of time. This reduces the risk of ear infections.
Who is it for?
The procedure is performed on patients who have an obstructed or dysfunctional Eustachian tube that is unable to perform drainage or ventilation. The procedure is commonly performed on children between the ages of one and three years old.
Recovery time
Patients go home after the procedure, once the anaesthetic effects have worn off.
Risks
Some children with ear tubes continue to have ear infections, or there may be problems with the tubes coming out. After the tubes come out, they may leave a small scar in the eardrum, which may cause some hearing loss. Infection may occur.
Septoplasty
What is it?
Septoplasty is a surgery to correct a deviated septum. It may also be done to allow access into the nose to remove nasal polyps. To repair the septum, the surgeon works through the nostrils, making an incision to separate the mucosa from the underlying cartilage and bone. The doctor trims or straightens the bent cartilage and then replaces the mucosa over the cartilage and bone.
Who is it for?
In general, septoplasty is needed only when breathing problems or snoring do not get better without surgery.
Recovery time
Patients may go home on the same day as the surgery, once the effect of the anaesthesia has worn off. After surgery, the patient may have a nasal splint or pack placed in the nostrils to stop bleeding and keep the septum straight while it heals.
Risks
All surgery has a small risk of infection or bleeding. Septoplasty also carries a small risk of a hole forming in the septum, which rarely requires treatment.
Tympanoplasty
What is it?
Tympanoplasty is a surgical operation performed for the reconstruction of the eardrum, or the small bones of the middle ear.
Who is it for?
This surgery is performed to close a perforated ear drum in order to reduce the risk of infection, but also to improve hearing.
Recovery time
The procedure takes one to two hours and patients may usually go home on the same day. The patient may experience bloody discharge or drainage from the ear canal for a few days after surgery. Ear pain and soreness may last for up to five days after the surgery.
Risks
The risks associated with a tymnoplasty includes infection, the graft not holding and exposing the hole in the eardrum, further hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness or numbness in the outer ear.