ENT Surgery

About ENT Surgery

ENT Surgery, also known as Otolaryngology, focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, as well as the head and neck. ENT disorders affect everyday functions like breathing, hearing, speaking, swallowing, and balance. ENT surgery helps restore function, alleviate pain, remove obstructions or tumors, and improve the overall quality of life.

From simple procedures like tonsil removal to complex surgeries for sinus issues or hearing loss, ENT surgeries are essential for both children and adults.

Types of ENT Surgeries

1. Ear Surgery (Otologic Surgery)

• Tympanoplasty – Repair of the eardrum
• Mastoidectomy – Removal of mastoid bone infection
• Cochlear Implants – For severe hearing loss
• Stapedectomy – Middle ear bone replacement
• Myringotomy – Ear tube placement for fluid drainage

2. Nose Surgery (Rhinologic Surgery)

• Septoplasty – Correction of deviated nasal septum
• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) – For chronic sinusitis
• Nasal Polyp Removal
• Turbinate Reduction Surgery
• Rhinoplasty – Cosmetic or functional nose reshaping

3. Throat Surgery (Laryngeal/Pharyngeal Surgery)

• Tonsillectomy – Tonsil removal
• Adenoidectomy – Adenoid removal
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – For sleep apnea
• Microlaryngoscopy – For vocal cord issues
• Phonosurgery – To improve voice quality

4. Head and Neck Surgeries

• Thyroidectomy – Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland
• Parotidectomy – Salivary gland surgery
• Neck Dissection – Lymph node removal in cancer
• Laryngectomy – Removal of voice box in cancer cases

Common ENT Conditions Requiring Surgery

• Chronic ear infections or fluid buildup
• Nasal blockage due to deviated septum or polyps
• Sinusitis unresponsive to medications
• Enlarged tonsils/adenoids causing breathing or sleep problems
• Hearing loss due to middle or inner ear damage
• Benign or malignant tumors of the head and neck
• Thyroid nodules or goiters
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Risks & Complications

While ENT surgeries are generally safe and routine, potential complications include:

• Bleeding or infection at the surgical site
• Temporary or permanent voice changes (for throat surgeries)
• Facial nerve injury (in ear or parotid surgeries)
• Swallowing difficulties
• Loss of hearing or balance
• Scar formation or airway obstruction (rare)

Preoperative Investigations

Patients may undergo several diagnostic evaluations before ENT surgery, including:

• Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) – Hearing test
• CT Scan or MRI – For sinus, ear, or neck evaluation
• Endoscopy – Visualization of nasal/throat structures
• FNAC/Biopsy – If a tumor is suspected
• Blood tests – To ensure fitness for anesthesia

Post-Surgery Side Effects

• Mild pain, swelling, or discomfort at the site
• Nasal congestion or mild bleeding (after nose surgery)
• Temporary hoarseness or sore throat
• Ear pressure or dizziness
• Restricted diet or voice rest depending on procedure
• Full recovery varies from a few days (tonsillectomy) to a few weeks (thyroidectomy or sinus surgery)

Success Rate

ENT surgeries have a very high success rate when performed by skilled ENT specialists. Patient outcomes depend on the condition being treated, age, and overall health.