Titusville Otolaryngology & Otorhinolaryngology Services
Treatment & Surgery for Ear, Nose & Throat Issues
The ear, nose, and throat are susceptible to a myriad of infections and
physical damage. Titusville Area Hospital provides a wide range of treatments
for these issues, including a number of otorhinolaryngology operations
(ENT surgery). Our staff is prepared to run diagnostics and provide the
treatment required to remedy nearly any problem that affects the ENT.
Below you will find a full list of operations we perform.
Myringotomy
Ottis media with effusion (OME) is an ear issue in which fluids build up
in the inner ear and may cause a serious infection. It usually occurs
in children and is not to be taken lightly. A myringotomy is a procedure
in which a slight incision is made in the ear drum to release excess fluids.
OME’s often afflict children because of their undeveloped immune
system or a changing anatomical structure. It does not cause pain or a
fever, and the only noticeable symptom would be a slight hearing loss.
Watch for children that frequently turn up the volume of the TV as this
could be an indicator.
Myringotomy and bilateral myringotomy (on both ears) requires a steady
hand, but is not complicated, and can usually be done for outpatients.
Tonsil & Adenoid Removal
Tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) is a fairly well-known procedure in the
modern day. Tonsils are located on the lower part of the throat. When
food enters the throat, the tonsils release white blood cells to fight
infections and bacteria. The adenoids serve the same purpose, the only
difference is that they are located on the roof of the throat.
While useful tools, if an individual experiences frequent ENT infections
then the organs become overworked and swell, making it difficult to hear,
swallow, and, in severe case, breathe.
Symptoms a patient may need tonsil/adenoid removal include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Frequent sore throats
- Swollen lumps in the back of the throat
- Sleep apnea – periods during sleep where the affected stops breathing
- Ear pain
- Vomiting
Tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies are very common procedures. There are
a few risks that may arise from unforeseen circumstances, but these are
rare. Patients can typically return home the same day as the surgery.
Septoplasty
The bridge between your nose that separates each nostril is called the
nasal septum. It is made up of a small bone and hyaline cartilage. When
these components become distorted and reduces the opening of one nostril
it is called a deviated septum. A person can be born with a deviated septum,
develop one over time, or suffer an accident that displaces the cartilage.
When the deviation becomes serious, the afflicted may experience nosebleeds,
frequent sinus infections, and have difficulty breathing. Even small deviations
can worsen over time and should be fixed before it becomes an issue.
Septoplasty is the procedure to fix deviated septum. Depending on the severity
of the deviation, the procedure could be simple or complex. In most cases,
however, patients are free to go home the same day after brief monitoring
from hospital staff.
Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy is the removal of all, or a part of, an individual’s
thyroid gland. The thyroid produces hormones that influence growth and
development, as well as regulating metabolism. Thyroidectomies are typically
performed if the gland becomes cancerous, enlarges into a painful goiter,
or starts to overwork and produces an excess of hormones.
There are few different types of thyroidectomies:
-
Total thyroidectomy – A complete removal of the thyroid.
-
Lobectomy – When only part of the thyroid needs to be removed and the surgeon removes
the afflicted lobe.
-
Partial lobectomy – On occasion, only part of a lobe needs to be removed.
-
Completion thyroidectomy – In patients who have had a lobectomy or partial thyroidectomy before,
over time a complete removal may be required. This could be anywhere from
a few weeks to a few years from the original operation.
All of the above methods are very involved surgeries, and most patients
will need to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours before going home.
Patients who undergo a total thyroidectomy will be required to take a
daily pill in order to produce the hormones formerly created by the thyroid.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UP3)
A UP3 is a sleep surgery designed to help patients breathe easier during
sleep. It is recommended for patients suffering sleep apnea characterized
by loud snoring. The procedure varies from patient to patient, depending
on which tissues are causing the blockage.
The flowing may be removed in a UP3:
- Tonsils
- Adenoids
- Uvula
- The soft palate on the roof of the mouth
Septoplasty and tongue surgery may also be included in the process to further
assist the patient’s breathing. A UP3 is not always necessary if
the patient is willing to wear a CPAP device to assist their breathing.
Consult with your doctor regarding what options are available to remedy
your specific sleep apnea.