Ears, Nose and Throat Procedures and Definitions
Otolaryngology is the branch of medicine concerned with the head and neck.
Adenoidectomy- removal of the adenoids. Adenoids are an accumulation of lymph tissue located in the back of the nose. The purpose of an adenoidectomy is to try to increase the airway, reduce the frequency of ear infections or eliminate a source of chronic infection and snoring.
Myringotomy (ear tubes)- A small incision is made in the eardrum and tubes are placed in the ear cannal. This is to allow fluid to drain and to ventlate the middle ear.
Rhinoplasty- correction of nasal deformities for cosmetic reasons or to repair nasal fractures. This procedure can resize, reshape or straighten the nose.
Septoplasty- an operation on the septum in the nose. The purpose is to straighten the bone and cartilage of the septum to improve breathing.
Sinus Surgery an operation to remove diseased tissue (Endoscopic) of the sinus. The surgery is done with a telescope- like instrument. It allows the surgeon to see directly into the sinus.
Tonsillectomy- removal of the tonsils. Tonsils are made up of tissue similar to the glands found in the neck, groin and armpits. The purpose of a tonsillectomy is to decrease the amount of infections to the throat or ears. Also, to improve breathing and swallowing.
Turbinoplasty- to reduce the size of the turbinates. Turbinates are structures which protrude into the nasal airway from the inside wall of the nose. The surgery will help improve nasal breathing.