Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy removes the tonsils from the back of the throat under general anaesthesia. It is considered for frequent episodes of tonsillitis, a tonsil abscess, or tonsils large enough to disturb breathing and sleep. The decision rests on how often infections occur and how seriously they affect daily life, and not every sore throat needs surgery. Families looking for an ENT specialist in Mulund can arrange this assessment at Apex Hospitals Mulund.
How the Procedure Can Help
Tonsillectomy reduces repeated sore throats and infections. It also improves breathing during sleep in patients whose enlarged tonsils narrow the airway.
Risks and Considerations
Throat pain is expected, and bleeding can occur in the first two weeks, sometimes several days after surgery. Adequate fluids and rest are essential, and any bleeding needs prompt medical attention.
An adenoidectomy removes the adenoids, soft tissue at the back of the nose that can enlarge in childhood. It is advised when adenoids cause constant nasal blockage, mouth breathing, snoring or repeated middle ear fluid. It is often combined with ear tube placement or tonsillectomy when both problems are present.
How the Procedure Can Help
Adenoidectomy improves nasal breathing and sleep quality. It also helps the middle ear ventilate and can reduce ear infections.
Risks and Considerations
Bleeding is possible, and adenoid tissue can occasionally regrow. Temporary nasal-sounding speech can occur, and special caution applies in children with a cleft palate.
Laryngoscopy is an examination of the larynx, or voice box, and the throat. A flexible scope may be used in the clinic, while direct laryngoscopy under anaesthesia allows a closer look, biopsy and small procedures. It is advised for persistent hoarseness, voice change, swallowing difficulty and suspected growths.
How the Procedure Can Help
Laryngoscopy provides a direct view of the vocal cords and throat, making an accurate diagnosis possible. It allows tissue to be taken for testing when a lesion needs to be identified.
Risks and Considerations
A temporary sore throat or minor bleeding can occur. General anaesthesia has its own risks, which the anaesthetist discusses beforehand.
Phonosurgery is a delicate microsurgery on the vocal cords that improves voice quality. It is considered for polyps, cysts, nodules and other lesions that do not settle with voice therapy and reflux control. Surgery is planned together with voice therapy, since vocal habits often contribute to the problem.
How the Procedure Can Help
Phonosurgery restores smoother vocal cord vibration, which can improve voice clarity and stamina. It also removes lesions that need a tissue diagnosis.
Risks and Considerations
Voice change, scarring of the vocal cord and recurrence are possible. A period of voice rest followed by therapy is needed for recovery.
Frenotomy is a quick release of the tight band of tissue, the frenulum, under an infant's tongue. It is advised when restricted tongue movement interferes with feeding. A trained surgeon performs it with minimal discomfort, and feeding can usually resume soon afterwards.
How the Procedure Can Help
Frenotomy improves tongue movement, which can help latching and feeding in infants. It is a short procedure with a quick recovery.
Risks and Considerations
Minor bleeding, reattachment of the band and, rarely, infection can occur. Feeding support from a lactation specialist may still be needed.
Tracheotomy creates an opening in the windpipe through the neck so that a breathing tube can be placed. It is performed when the upper airway is blocked, when long-term ventilation is needed, or when secretions cannot be cleared. It may be planned or done in an emergency, and follow-up care is coordinated with the intensive care team as needed.
How the Procedure Can Help
Tracheotomy secures the airway when breathing through the mouth and nose is not possible. It can also make ventilator weaning and tube care easier for patients who need long-term support.
Risks and Considerations
Bleeding, infection, tube blockage or displacement and later narrowing of the windpipe are possible. Patients and families need training in tube care, and while the tube is in place, it may affect their ability to speak.
