Are your allergies keeping you from doing the stuff you love? Colorectal cancer screening can save lives. Don't go under without the professionals. Keep playing!

Procedures Descriptions

Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoid glands, which are located between the nasal airway and the back of the throat. This surgery is often done in conjunction with a tonsillectomy.

While the patient is under general anesthesia, the ENT surgeon props open the patient's mouth with a small instrument. The adenoid tissue is cauterized or removed with a curette or a microdebrider. Bleeding is controlled with packing or cauterization.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic Surgery is used to diagnose and treat many joint problems. This significant advance in joint care allows for rapid return to improved activity. Most commonly used in knees, shoulders and ankles, the arthroscope can also be sued for spine, hip, wrists and elbows.

Step 1 - Two small incisions are made around the join area. Surgical instruments will be positioned in these incisions.

Step 2 - A tube-like needle is inserted in one incision. Fluid is pumped through the tube and into the joint. This expands the joint, giving the surgeon a clear view and room to work. The tube will also be used as drainage needle to regulate the amount of fluid in the joint during the procedure.

Step 3 - Through another incision, the surgeon insets the arthroscope. This instrument has a light and a small video camera that send images to a TV monitor in the operating room.

Step 4 - With the video images from the arthroscope as a guide, the surgeon can look for damaged tissue. If the surgeon sees an opportunity to treat a problem, a variety of small surgical instruments can be inserted through the third small incision.

Step 5 - The surgeon may close the incisions with stitches or tape. Recovery from arthroscopy is faster than recovery from traditional open joint surgery.

For a virtual demonstration of this procedure, click here.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery involves a small incision over the palm of the hand through which a surgeon will insert a small tube with a light and camera. Using that tool they will cut the transverse carpal ligament to releases pressure on the median nerve.

Some surgeons will remove tissue surrounding the nerve, especially if the tissue is swollen or irritated (as is often found in arthritis patients). The surgeon will then usually close the skin and subcutaneous tissues over only the carpal ligament, leaving the carpal tunnel uncovered. Other surgeons reattach the carpal ligament after lengthening it.

CT Scan

A CT scan machine is a table surrounded by a large donut-shaped cylinder. During the exam, you will lie on the table, while the cylinder rotates slowly around the table. Using thin x-ray beams, the CT scan machine takes cross-sectional "snapshots" of a particular area of your body.

CT scans require very low doses of radiation that are well within safe limits. As for the clikcing sounds you might hear, these are made by the x-ray camera as it take pictures. If you are too nervous, your doctor might perscribe you a mild sedative.

Before your CT scan, your doctor may ask you to drink only clear liquids and obstain from eating solid food. You should let you doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to a contrast agent or if you have any allergies to food, especially shellfish or medication. Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have asthma.

Myringotomy

Ear tubes are inserted through an outpatient surgical procedure called a Myringotomy, during which a surgeon makes an incision in the ear drum or tympanic membrane. This is most often done under a surgical microscope with a small scalpel, but it can also be accomplished with a laser.

A light general anesthetic is administered for young children. Some older children and adults may be able to tolerate the procedure without anesthetic. A myringotomy is performed and the fluid behind the ear drum (in the middle ear space) is suctioned out. The ear tube is then placed in the hole. Ear drops may be administered after the ear tube is placed and may be necessary for a few days. The procedure usually lasts less than 15 minutes and patients awaken quickly.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is an operation that corrects defects and deformities of the wall between the two nostrils (nasal septum). The goal of this surgery is to straighten the nasal septum or to relieve obstructions or others problems related to deviation of the septum.

An incision is made internally on one side of the nasal septum. The mucous membrane is lifted away from the cartilage and the obstructive parts are removed or repositioned. Then the mucous member is returned to its original position and held in place with stitches or packing.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy (Tonsil Removal) is the surgical removal of the tonsils, which are glands located at the back of the throat. Normally, tonsil glands serve as agents against infection. In some people, however, especially children, these glands can cause ear and throat infections. While the patient is under general anesthesia, the ENT surgeon removes the tonsils with an instrument or cautery (burning device), which controls bleeding. The cut heals naturally without stitches.