Procedures

Some of the more common procedures performed by our physicians include:

Myringotomy and PE tubes

When medical therapy has failed to alleviate fluid in the ears, or when the patient has a history of recurrent bouts of ear infections, placement of tubes directly into the eardrums is necessary to prevent future complications. For children, this is usually performed in the operating room under mask anesthesia. For adults, the procedure can be performed in the office setting. This is a very short treat-and-release procedure, and no significant recovery is necessary afterwards.

Ear tubes - http://z.about.com/d/surgery/1/0/V/0/-/-/EarWithTubes.jpg

Septoplasty and/or Turbinate Reduction

If the midline wall of the nose (septum) or the side walls of the nose (turbinates) are felt to be deviated or enlarged and contributing to nasal obstructive symptoms, surgery might be necessary to correct this anatomical problem. The procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia for most patients. We do not use the traditional packing that completely block the nasal passages. Rather, a plastic stent in the shape of a straw is inserted into the nasal passages to allow for appropriate breathing during the recovery phase. This is usually removed during the first postoperative visit approximately 4 days after the procedure.

Septoplasty - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003012.htm

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

For patients with the recurrent and chronic sinus infections, blockage, and headaches, sinus surgery may be necessary to reduce the frequency and intensity of future infections. This procedure is usually performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Endoscopes and microscopic instruments are used to further widen the sinus openings. There is no external change in the appearance of the nose or face. Both surgeons use and are certified trained in Electromagnetic Computer Guided Sinus Surgery. Dr. Hollander was the first surgeon in the Grand Rapids area trained to perform Computer Guided Sinus Surgery and has been a consultant in the design of powered sinus surgery equipment. Dr. Behler has completed additional training in the use of balloon sinuplasty with the Electromagnetic Computer Guided Sinus System. Dr. Behler was the first physician in Michigan to perform Balloon Sinuplasty as an in-office procedure. This is a minimally invasive protocol to minimize post-op discomfort. Click here to learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty.

Child and Adult Tonsillectomy

Tonsils are usually part of the body's immune system. In certain cases, the size of the tonsils, and/or recurrent infections, make it necessary to remove the tonsils. This procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The majority of the patients can go home the same day. Unfortunately, tonsillectomy is one of the more uncomfortable procedures for the patients afterwards. We are very compassionate about your post-op pain medication needs, and a variety of different types of medicines are provided for proper recovery.

UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)

This is the procedure where part of the palate and uvula ("little tongue") are removed to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. The procedure is performed under anesthesia in the operating room. Along with a Septoplasty if indicated, this procedure has a 95% cure rate for eradicating snoring and a 50% cure rate for patients suffering from sleep apnea. Most patients should be able to go home the same day.

Thyroidectomy

The thyroid is a hormone gland located in the lower part of the neck. A variety of lesions that grow in the thyroid might make it necessary for the gland to be partially or totally removed, such as goiter or thyroid cancer. Dr. Behler specializes in thyroid surgery and management. This procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Most patients might stay overnight for recovery.

Thyroid gland removal - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002933.htm

Parathyroidectomy

The parathyroids are four small glands scattered through the neck that are in charge of the calcium regulation of the body. Occasionally, one or more of them may overproduce the hormone special to that gland. At this point in time, the only way to address the problem is by surgical excision of the affected individual gland. This procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Most patients stay overnight for recovery in the hospital.

Parotidectomy

The parotid glands are saliva glands located on the sides of the cheek. They release saliva directly into the mouth during chewing and swallowing. A variety of benign or malignant lesions might grow within the glands. Once again, the treatment is surgery for removal of the affected part. The procedure is performed under anesthesia in the operating room. Most patients stay in the hospital overnight for recovery.

Tympanoplasty

Tympanoplasty is reconstructive surgery for the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. There are several options for treating a perforated eardrum. Dr. Hollander is skilled in this area. Tympanoplasty can be performed through the ear canal or through an incision behind the ear. Dr. Hollander uses a graft from the tissues under the skin around the ear and uses it to reconstruct the eardrum. The surgery takes one hour to perform and is done under local or general anesthesia. It is done on an outpatient basis and is successful 85-90% of the time.

Tympanoplasty - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003014.htm

Laryngectomy

Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose, and esophagus. It is done in cases of laryngeal cancer. However, many laryngeal cancer cases are now treated only with radiation and chemotherapy or other laser procedures, and laryngectomy is performed when those treatments fail to conserve the larynx. Comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat P.C. is also the only ENT office in Western Michigan with a dedicated speech and swallow therapist to assist in head and neck cancer patients. We also offer voice reconstruction and rehabilitation, which are important for quality of life for patients after surgical ablation of tumors in the larynx or pharynx.

Submandibular Gland Excision

The submandibular gland (also called submaxillary gland) is a salivary gland about the size of a plum that lies immediately below the lower jaw. Saliva drains from it through a duct that opens on the inside of the mouth under the tongue immediately behind the lower front teeth. Calcium deposits in the salivary glands and their ducts can form stones similar to those that form in the kidneys. The most common reason for removing a submandibular gland is chronic infection that occurs if the ducts that drain saliva become blocked with a stone. Other indications for surgery include benign tumors, such as pleomorphic adenomas. Whereas 80% of parotid gland tumors are benign, in the submandibular gland, 66% of tumors are malignant. The submandibular gland is resected under a general anesthesia. The procedure is performed in less that 1 hour on average.

Selective Neck Dissection

The neck dissection is a surgical procedure for control of neck lymph node metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. The aim of the procedure is to remove lymph nodes from one side of the neck into which cancer cells may have migrated. Metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma into the lymph nodes of the neck reduce survival and is the most important factor in the spread of the disease. The metastases may originate from SCC of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the oral cavity, tongue, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx, as well as the thyroid, parotid and posterior scalp.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our common ENT procedures, call 616-942-0380 or click here to contact us.