Dr. Dawie van Staden | ENT Surgeon Kempton Park | 011 568 2918
ENT SURGEON KEMPTON PARK
Procedures
Surgical Procedures
Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the adenoids, which are small glands located in the back of the nose. It is typically done under general anesthesia. A small instrument is used to remove the adenoids through the mouth or nose, without any external incisions. The procedure helps alleviate problems like chronic infections, breathing difficulties and obstructive sleep apnea. It is commonly performed on children, as adenoids tend to shrink with age. Adenoidectomy is generally considered safe, with minimal risks and a short recovery period.
Adenotonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of both the adenoids and tonsils. It is commonly performed to treat chronic infections, airway obstruction and sleep-related breathing disorders. The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia and the adenoids and tonsils are removed through the mouth. Adenotonsillectomy is frequently performed on children but can also be done on adults. It carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection and changes in voice or taste sensation. Recovery time varies, but most patients experience some throat pain and discomfort for several days after the procedure.
Cautery diathermy septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum. It is typically done under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon uses a heated instrument called a cautery or diathermy to reshape or remove the deviated portion of the septum, allowing for improved airflow through the nose. The procedure can involve making small incisions inside the nostrils or using an endoscope for more complex cases. Recovery time varies, but patients may experience swelling, congestion and mild discomfort. It is generally considered safe, but potential risks include bleeding, infection and changes in nasal sensation.
The division of tongue tie, also known as frenotomy or frenulotomy, is a surgical procedure performed to correct ankyloglossia, a condition where the lingual frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is abnormally tight or short. The procedure involves cutting or dividing the frenulum to release the tongue’s movement and improve its function. It is a simple and quick procedure typically done using local anesthesia. Complications are rare, but may include bleeding or infection. Following the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort, but the recovery is usually quick and straightforward.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a surgical procedure performed to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus-related conditions. It is performed using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip. The surgeon inserts the endoscope into the nasal passages to visualize the sinuses and remove any obstructions, such as polyps or inflamed tissue. FESS aims to restore proper drainage and ventilation of the sinuses, alleviating symptoms like facial pain, congestion and recurrent infections. The procedure is minimally invasive, typically done under general anesthesia, and often has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
Insertion of grommets, also known as tympanostomy or ventilation tube insertion, is a surgical procedure performed to treat recurrent middle ear infections and persistent fluid buildup. It is commonly done in children but can also be performed on adults. The procedure involves creating a small incision in the eardrum and inserting a tiny tube called a grommet or tympanostomy tube. This tube helps equalize pressure, ventilate the middle ear and drain excess fluid. Grommets usually fall out on their own after a few months to a year. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and has a high success rate in reducing ear infections.
Laryngoscopy or micro laryngoscopy is a surgical procedure performed to examine and treat conditions affecting the larynx (voice box). It involves the use of a laryngoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera at its tip, which is inserted through the mouth or nose to visualize the larynx. This allows the surgeon to assess vocal cord function, diagnose vocal cord lesions or perform interventions such as removing polyps or biopsying suspicious tissue. The procedure can be done under general or local anesthesia and offers a precise and detailed view of the larynx, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove infected or damaged mastoid air cells located behind the ear. It is commonly done to treat chronic ear infections that have spread to the mastoid bone. The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear, exposing the mastoid bone and removing the infected or diseased tissue. Mastoidectomy helps to eliminate the infection, prevent its spread and restore normal drainage. Depending on the extent of the disease, different types of mastoidectomy may be performed. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia and may require a period of recovery and follow-up care.
Meatoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to widen or reshape the external opening of the ear canal. It is typically done to address stenosis (narrowing) or other anatomical abnormalities that can affect ear drainage and ventilation. The procedure involves making an incision around the opening of the ear canal and removing excess tissue or cartilage. This helps to improve the passage of air and drainage of fluids from the ear. Meatoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the specific case. Recovery time is generally short, with the aim of enhancing ear function and reducing related complications.
Myringoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated eardrum. It is commonly done to restore hearing, prevent middle ear infections and improve overall ear health. The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear, lifting the ear canal skin and accessing the perforated eardrum. The surgeon then cleans the area, removes any scar tissue and closes the perforation using a graft, which may be taken from the patient’s own tissue or a synthetic material. Myringoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and has a high success rate in closing the perforation and restoring normal eardrum function.
Reduction of a fractured nose, also known as closed reduction or nasal fracture reduction, is a surgical procedure performed to realign and stabilize a broken nose. It is typically done within a few days of the injury to optimize outcomes. The procedure involves manipulating the nasal bones back into their proper position, often under local anesthesia. The surgeon may use techniques such as manual manipulation or instruments to realign the bones. Once the nose is repositioned, splints or packing may be used to support and protect the nasal structures during healing. Reduction of a fractured nose aims to restore nasal function, alleviate breathing difficulties and improve the aesthetic appearance of the nose.
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are two distinct surgical procedures, but they can be performed together to address functional and aesthetic concerns of the nose. Septoplasty is aimed at correcting a deviated nasal septum, improving breathing and airflow. It involves the repositioning or removal of the deviated portion of the septum. Rhinoplasty focuses on reshaping the external appearance of the nose, addressing issues such as size, shape or symmetry. It involves modifying the nasal bone and cartilage. Both procedures can be performed under general anesthesia and recovery time varies. Septorhinoplasty combines the two procedures to address both functional and cosmetic aspects of the nose.
Stapedectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a condition where the stapes bone in the middle ear becomes fixed and impairs sound transmission. It involves removing the fixed stapes bone and replacing it with a prosthetic device. Exploratory tympanotomy and ossiculoplasty are surgical procedures performed to address middle ear problems, such as damaged or missing ossicles (small bones responsible for transmitting sound). It involves creating an incision in the eardrum, accessing the middle ear and repairing or reconstructing the ossicles using grafts or prosthetic materials. Both procedures aim to restore hearing and can be done under general anesthesia.
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the tonsils, which are two small glands located at the back of the throat. It is typically done to treat chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, sleep-related breathing disorders or complications associated with enlarged tonsils. The procedure involves the complete or partial removal of the tonsils using surgical instruments or techniques such as electrocautery or laser. Tonsillectomy can be performed under general anesthesia and the recovery time varies but usually involves a few days of discomfort and a soft diet. Complications are rare but may include bleeding or infection.
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated eardrum or treat middle ear problems. It involves the reconstruction of the eardrum using a graft, which can be taken from the patient’s own tissue or a synthetic material. The procedure aims to restore proper hearing function, prevent middle ear infections and improve the health of the middle ear. Tympanoplasty can be done under general or local anesthesia, depending on the case. Recovery time varies, and post-operative care may include avoiding water exposure to the ear. Complications are rare but can include infection, graft failure, or changes in hearing.
Tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy is a combined surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated eardrum and address disease or infection in the mastoid bone. It involves the reconstruction of the eardrum using a graft and the removal of infected or diseased tissue from the mastoid bone. The procedure aims to restore hearing, eliminate infection and improve the overall health of the middle ear and mastoid. Tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy is typically done under general anesthesia and may require a longer recovery period compared to tympanoplasty alone. Complications, although rare, can include infection, hearing changes or facial nerve injury.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Adenotonsillectomy Post-operative care
Grommets Post-operative care
Tympanoplasty Post-operative care
Tympan mastoidectomy Post-operative care
FESS and Septoplasty Post-operative care
Adenotonsillectomy Post-operative care
- Following the operation your child should preferably stay in bed for the rest of the day. The next two days he should also stay at home. Between the third and fifth day he may return to normal activities and attend school. He should however refrain from participating in sport for the first seven to ten days.
- The child should follow a normal diet as far as possible. It is advisable that he eats coarse foods like toast, as the chewing activity helps to reduce the pain. In addition it is recommended that he eats chips and drinks carbonated beverages. Be careful with fruit juices, especially orange juice, as this can burn the throat. Avoid bananas and reduce the intake of dairy products.
- Your child will receive medication for pain, which you should use regularly as prescribed for the first three days. At no stage should he experience pain, as this will prolong the recovery process. Please make use of the suppositories. Often an antibiotic is also prescribed; the whole course should be completed.
- In the week following the operation your child could suffer from any of the following:
- Ear ache, slight fever, bad breath
- Black stools caused by ingested blood
- Voice changes
- Grey-white scabs covering the tonsil beds
– The above-mentioned are of transient nature, and should not cause unnecessary alarm. The scabs are normal and not an indication of infection.
- In the case of any bleeding from the mouth or nostrils, immediately go to your nearest Emergency Department.
- Upon discharge from the hospital please make an appointment for a post-operative checkup within seven to ten days.
Grommets Post-operative care
- Grommets are small tubes that are placed in the eardrum to drain and ventilate the middle ear. Drainage of the fluid is important to relieve the pressure that causes discomfort and pain. The fluid can also cause hearing loss.
- After the operation there might be slight earache and drainage of fluid. If the drainage continues for more than a week please contact me.
- If antibiotics and/or eardrops are prescribed please finish the course.
- With a following upper respiratory tract infection there might again be drainage of fluid from the ears. If this continues for more than three days the patient should be examined.
- Discharge from the ears might also be caused by external contamination, e.g. through water. Again the patient should be examined if this continues for more than three days.
- Avoid water in the ears as long as the grommets are in place. Use earplugs, prestik or cotton wool plugs with Vaseline during bathing, showering or washing hair.
- Swimming is allowed with earplugs. Do not dive or swim under water.
- Upon discharge from the hospital please make an appointment for a post-operative checkup within seven to ten days.
- Routine three monthly follow up for evaluation of the grommets and hearing is important.
Tympanoplasty Post-operative care
The procedure is performed to repair a hole in the eardrum and improve the hearing. After the operation a bandage or dressing is applied this has to be removed according to my instructions.
Dont’s
- No water should enter the ear.
- Do not blow the nose excessively.
- Limit physical activities, normal exercise after 2 weeks and contact sport after 1 month.
Do’s
- Finish all medicine as prescribed, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and sometimes medicine for nausea.
- Please contact me in case of:
– Severe pain
– Dizziness
– Bleeding
- If the hearing suddenly drops it is an emergency and I need to know.
- Follow up between 7 and 10 days should be arranged for removal of sutures and cleaning of the ear canal. Further follow up will be discussed depending on each individual.
- It is important to have an audiogram after 3 months.
Tympan mastoidectomy Post-operative care
This is a more extensive operation to eradicate chronic infection in the ear or disease like cholesteatoma. Often the eardrum needs to be repaired at the same time.
Dont’s
- No water should enter the ear.
- Do not blow the nose excessively.
- Limit physical activities, normal exercise after 2 weeks and contact sport after 1 month.
Do’s
- Finish all medicine as prescribed, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and sometimes medicine for nausea.
- Please contact me in case of:
– Severe pain
– Dizziness
– Bleeding
- If the hearing suddenly drops it is an emergency and I need to know.
- Follow up between 7 and 10 days should be arranged for removal of sutures and cleaning of the ear canal. Further follow up will be discussed depending on each individual.
- It is important to have an audiogram after 3 months.
FESS and Septoplasty Post-operative care
These procedures are often performed together to improve drainage and ventilation of the nasal passages and sinus cavities. It is performed endoscopically to avoid external scarring. The approached for the septoplasty procedure is internally and closure is achieved with absorbable sutures. The post-operative care is the same for these two procedures whether they are performed separately or in combination.
- After the operation you will receive medication which will usually consist of:
- Salt water solution (Salex) with which the nose should be rinsed 3 times a day to remove blood clots and mucous. You are allowed to blow your nose.
- After blowing the nose applies the Vibrocil or Otrivin, it helps decongest and soften the crusts. Please start from day 1.
- You will also receive antibiotics, complete the course. Sometimes the antibiotic needs to be changed according to your cultures.
- Analgesic/anti-inflammatory medicine can be used as needed.
- It is important to arrange for a 7 to 10 day follow-up appointment for better results, in addition a 1 month and 3 month follow-up is usually advisable.
– In case of any complications:
- Bleeding
- Foul smelling discharge
- Blockage of the nose
- Severe swelling of the face
- Abnormalities of the eyes – swelling, blurring of vision, blackening around the eyes
- Fever
- Severe headache