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Tracheostomy A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure to create a direct airway in the trachea (windpipe). A tracheostomy is necessary in when there is airway obstruction due to severe injury to the neck or mouth, paralysis of the muscles that affect swallowing, a foreign object lodged in the trachea, a tumor, or inhalation of damaging smoke or steam. A tracheostomy is also indicated for patients in a coma or who suffer from long-term unconsciousness. A small incision is made into the wall of the trachea, through the front of the neck. A small tube (cannula) is inserted to keep the airway open and facilitate breathing. Depending on the reason for the tracheostomy, it may left in place temporarily or may be necessary for many months. For some, the tracheotomy tube may be left in place indefinitely. Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy The tonsils and adenoids are both masses of lymph-type tissue. Tonsils are located on either side of the back of the throat, while the adenoids are located higher in the throat, behind the nose. Both the tonsils and the adenoids act as a filter, “catching” the incoming bacteria that enters through the mouth and nose to fight off incoming infection. The most common problems affecting tonsils and adenoids are chronic infections and enlargement or obstruction that can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. Tonsilectomy and/or adenoidectomy are sometimes necessary when there is recurrent infection that doesn’t respond to antibiotic therapy, or breathing or swallowing becomes difficult due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids. Tonsilectomy and adenoidectomy procedures are most commonly performed on children. In fact, they are the most common major surgeries performed on children in the United States each year. It may also, however, be necessary to perform these procedures on adults with chronic symptoms. The tonsils and adenoids are removed through the patient’s mouth. Stitches are not necessary. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Tympanoplasty A Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a hole (perforation) in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) or the small bones of the middle ear. A perforation can be the result of a chronic infection or trauma to the eardrum. This procedure is performed to reduce infections of the middle ear and improve hearing. Tympanoplasty is a microsurgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. Utilizing an incision hidden behind the ear, the damaged part of the eardrum is removed and is patched with the patient’s own tissue. This tissue is usually taken from the lining of the muscle behind the ear. Patients can usually go home the same day. |
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