Myringotomy tubes or ear ventilation tubes:

This is one the most common procedures that ENT doctors perform.

This is a procedure that treats recurrent or chronic middle ear infections that may or may not be associated with hearing loss. It is possible to perform the procedure at the office for an adult patient.

Children require anesthesia, and therefore this procedure will be performed in an operating room for your child.

During the procedure a small incision is made in the ear drum, and fluid behind the ear drum is removed. A small plastic tube is placed to keep the hole open. This allows air to enter the space behind the ear drum so that fluid will note re-accumulate.

It is still possible to get ear infections with tubes in place, though these infections are usually treated with antibiotic ear drops rather than oral antibiotics.

Tubes usually stay in for about a year and typically fall out on their own. They last 6-18 months on average.

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Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy:

This is a common procedure that is most often performed because of chronic sore throat or infection. The procedure may also be performed if tonsils and adenoids are too swollen and cause a breathing obstruction, including sleep apnea.

The procedure to remove tonsils and adenoids is performed under general anesthesia. It is usually done on an out-patient basis. The procedure takes about a half hour. Tonsils and adenoids are removed through the mouth. No skin incision is required.

The procedure often requires 1-2 weeks of recuperation time. Light activity only is recommended during the time to minimize the possibility of bleeding.

Patients and parents should avoid aspirin and aspirin-like products such as Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, and Advil starting 2 weeks before surgery.

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Septoplasty, Turbinectomy and/or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS):

During this type of surgery, the septum (the part of the nose that separates the left side from the right side) may be partially or totally removed and then replaced into proper position.

The turbinates are on the side of the nose and are structures that humidify and heat the air we breathe. If they become too swollen, though, they can obstruct breathing passages. Your surgeon may perform a turbinate reduction surgery. This will typically improve the ability to breathe through the nose.

Sometimes, your surgeon will perform endoscopic sinus surgery at the time. During these specialized procedures, disease is removed from the sinuses and the drainage paths are opened.

Depending on the severity of your disease and whether you have had sinus procedures before, your surgeon may use state-of-the-art 3-D image guidance equipment.

Every operation is specifically tailored to your own specific problems.

These procedures may be performed either outpatient or inpatient, again depending on your specific health issues.

After surgery, you will be very congested. There is typically oozing, swelling, crusting, and your surgeon will often place a packing material. Expect to have oozing out the front of the nose or down the back of the throat for up to several days.

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Thyroid Surgery:

The surgeons at Biltmore ENT have a special interest in thyroid surgery. We perform hundreds of thyroid operations each year. Surgery is performed through a 2 or 3 inch “necklace” incision that may often be camouflaged in a neck crease. Surgery typically involves an overnight stay in the hospital. We typically use state-of-the-art nerve monitoring equipment to help protect the sensitive nerves that control the larynx during surgery.

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Micro-Laryngoscopy:

Patients with growths or benign tumors on their vocal cords will often undergo surgery to remove them.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. A microscope is usually used to best visualize the delicate structures in the larynx. Special instrumentation is used to carefully dissect and remove only what must be removed. This specialized operative technique will yield the best outcome for the voice.

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Functional Rhinoplasty:

Dr. Charous and Dr. Taffet perform surgery to help correct problems with the appearance of the nose which may have been caused by trauma to the nose or face. These procedures are often performed at the same time as other procedures on the nose.

Not all procedures to change the appearance of the nose are covered by insurance. Your  surgeon and our office staff can help explore various options.

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