Otolaryngologist
Also known as otorhinolaryngolongists or ENT specialists, otolaryngolongists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat. After completing medical school, a one year residency in general surgery is compulsory further followed by four years of residency in otolaryngology. Being specialists in the ENT organs, otolaryngolongists perform the following functions:
- Primarily treat disorders related to ear, nose, and throat.
- Treat conditions like sinus and problems with nasal cavities by either prescribing medicines or performing surgery.
- They treat allergies and help improve the shape and look of the nose (rhinoplasty).
- They treat hearing problems, ear infections, balance disorders of the ears, tinnitus (ear noise), cranial nerve disorder etc.
- They treat conditions like sleep apnea.
- They cure tonsils either through medication or surgery, they treat throat disorders including voice and swallowing disorders.
Modern techniques used in the field of otolaryngology
ENT field has seen a lot of innovations in use of equipments and technology, modern methods have paved avenues for better treatment methods.
- Modern equipments have paved ways for these specialists to perform reconstructive surgeries for nose, jaw, ear and facial areas.
- RAST (radio-allergosorbent-test) is used for curing allergies.
- Technique called the skin endpoint titration is used to cure allergies.
- Endoscope technique is used to treat sinus and other blockages.
- Modern audio logic equipment is used to diagnose and treat hearing problems.
Guide to choose the right otolaryngologist
- Ask your family physician to refer to the right specialist.
- Check if the specialist you have chosen is certified by an authorized board.
- Check if the hospital where your specialist practices has the required infrastructure and modern equipments needed for your treatment.
Otoplasty
Cosmetic surgery to alter the looks of the external ears is referred to as otoplasty. Otoplasty can move, remove, add, or reshape the ear as per the individual’s choice. ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons or maxillofacial surgeons carry out this procedure. This procedure will cost about US$ 2,000 to US$ 5,000. Otoplasty is usually done when the person is aged between 4 and 14 though this surgery can be performed on adults too. This surgery produces very good results in children rather than adults as their cartilages are not as firm as adult cartilages. Through otoplasty you can:
- Bring the ears closer to the head; popularly known as ear pinning.
- Reshape any bend in the ear cartilage.
- Reduce the size of the ears if they are very big.
- Correct deformed ears or abscent-microtic ears.
Otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia combined with sedation or under general anesthesia if the surgery involves kids. Anesthesia is chosen depending on the severity of the case. Otoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and takes about two to three hours to get completed. The person can get back to normalcy after five to seven days. The ear should not be bent for about a month and the person should wear a bandage to protect the ears for about a week.
Different types of otoplasty procedures
Incision less otoplasty: Needle is positioned via the skin to sculpt the cartilage and to hold the retention sutures. One incision is made to sculpt the ear; this incision is made behind the ear. The necessary correction is carried out through this incision.
Ear reduction otoplasty: reducing the components in the ear, incisions made are not visible.
Microtia: small ear deformity can be corrected by adding components as per requirement. Reconstruction procedure is usually performed on the cartilage of the ear.
Anotia: Missing ear deformity can be corrected by adding components as per requirement. Reconstruction procedure is usually performed on the cartilage of the ear.
Risks of otoplasty
- Blood clots in the ear, it either dissolves on its own or can be removed by the surgeon.
- Infection in the cartilage, this can be treated with antibiotics.
- Numbness of the skin in the ear or the face.
- Pain for a long duration.
- Permanent scarring.
- External ear canal might narrow down.
Bibliography / Reference
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