What is thyroidectomy?

Thyroidectomy is an operation in which one or both lobes of the thyroid gland are removed. The most common indications for thyroidectomy include a large mass in the thyroid gland, difficulties with breathing related to a thyroid mass, difficulties with swallowing, goiter, suspected or proven cancer of the thyroid gland and hyperthyroidism (overproduction of the thyroid hormone, Graves' disease).

What is tympanoplasty?

Tympanoplasty is an elective, ambulatory microsurgical procedure performed to close a perforation (hole) in the tympanic membrane (ear drum) when non-surgical methods are ineffective.

How do perforations form in the ear drum?

Perforations may be caused by infections, injuries, flying with a cold and use of cotton swabs; symptoms include drainage or bloody discharge from the ear, hearing loss, dizziness when water enters the ear and frequent ear infections.

Is surgery always necessary?

Antibiotics, decongestants, ear drops and abrasion with a small hook are often tried before surgery is recommended. Surgery may not be recommended for very young children or patients with chronic sinus or nasal problems such as severe allergies, acute infection in the sinuses or nose, or poorly controlled diabetes or heart disease.

What's involved in a tympanoplasty?

An incision is made either in the ear canal or behind the ear, depending on the size and depth of the perforation. The damaged ear drum is lifted and the perforation located; skin from behind the ear or from the ear lobe (tragus) is removed, thinned, dried and applied to the ear drum.

The bones of the middle ear are examined for damage. In a supplemental procedure known as ossicular reconstruction, the damaged or eroded bones may be bridged with a bone or cartilage graft, re-shaped using an operating microscope, or strengthened by the implantation of an artificial bone strut made of hydroxy apatite to reduce risk of rejection. Another, rarer ossicular reconstruction procedure called malleus fixation involves the reshaping of the malleus bone ("hammer").

Is the operation usually successful?

The perforation heals properly in over 90% of cases. Failure may result from immediate infection, water getting into the ear or displacement of the graft after surgery. Complications are uncommon but may include temporary dizziness, tinnitus, loss of taste on one side of the tongue, facial nerve injury and further hearing loss.

Is sinus surgery safe?

Elective surgery to facilitate drainage of the sinuses by widening the openings and removing excess mucus or diseased tissue is easier, faster and safer today than ever before. Modern advances in medical technology, specifically the endoscope (a thin fiberoptic tube inserted through the nostrils) and surgical lasers, allow for a minimally invasive procedure with less post-operative pain and shorter recovery time.

Who is a good candidate for sinus surgery?

The decision to undergo surgery may be made when sinus infections recur or do not respond to medications (antibiotics, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines) or to non-surgical procedures such as flushing. Pre-surgical testing includes nasal endoscopy, CT scan and allergy testing to determine the effect of allergies on the problems experienced.

What are the adenoids?

The adenoids are masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat that work with the tonsils and immune system early in life to defend the body against invading bacteria and viruses.

What happens when the adenoids become infected?

Occasionally the adenoids become infected and, after repeated infections, enlarged, causing breathing and swallowing problems such as snoring, disturbed sleep, chronic mouth breathing (possibly resulting in deformations of the face and mouth), ear infections and hearing loss. Signs that you or your child may have enlarged adenoids include:

• Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose
• Blocked-sounding nose when speaking
• Frequent ear infection
• Noisy breathing
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea (frequent pauses in breathing at night)

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is the surgical procedure to straighten a deviated, twisted, bent or crooked septum to improve breathing, function, sinus infections, comfort and possibly, cosmetic.

How succesful is the surgery?

Septoplasty is a common nasal surgery, and most people recover well.

How do I know if I need a septoplasty?

It is best to have a good nasal exam by an Otolaryngologist. There are some medical treatments that can reduce nasal swelling.

When and why is a septoplasty done?

A septoplasty is done if the septum is so crooked that it interferes with breathing or causes other problems. Few people actually have a perfectly straight septum, but in most cases the amount of bending is not large enough to be noticed.

Will I be able to breathe better after surgery?

The surgery improves the patient's ability to breathe through their nose.

How long will I have swelling and bruising after nasal surgery?

With current techniques used there can be minimal swelling and bruising after the surgery. If the patients do have a small amount of bruising after surgery it is usually for a period of 1-2 days.

Will the structure of my nose be altered after surgery?

No if Septoplasty is the only procedure that was performed then it would not alter the basic structure of the nose.

What is the medication that would be prescribed?

Antibiotics, Codeine or hydrocodone, Phenergan suppositories are some of the common medications used.