Otolaryngology (ENT)

Otolaryngology, often referred to as Ear, Nose, and Throat or “ENT,” is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the head and neck.

The most common procedures performed by the ENT doctors at St. Joseph's Outpatient Surgery Center are:

• Tonsillectomy: The removal of the tonsils may be recommended if any of the following apply:
• 4–6 severe tonsillitis infections in the past year
• 2–3 infections per year over multiple years
• Enlarged tonsils causing breathing or sleep problems
• Chronic tonsil infections unresponsive to medication
• Adenoidectomy: The removal of the adenoids may be advised if:
• Enlarged adenoids block the airway, affecting breathing or sleep
• Persistent ear infections continue despite antibiotics
If both issues are present, both tonsils and adenoids may be removed in a single procedure to avoid a second surgery. The patient is placed under general anesthesia for any of these surgeries.
• BMT: Bilateral Myringotomy with Tubes (BMT)—commonly known as ear tubes—involves placing small, hollow plastic tubes in the eardrum. This procedure is often recommended for children with frequent ear infections or persistent fluid behind the eardrum. The ENT surgeon inserts the tubes through a tiny opening in the eardrum while the child is under anesthesia.
• Septoplasty: A surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum—whether present at birth, developed during growth, or caused by injury. It may be done alone or alongside other procedures to address chronic sinusitis, inflammation, nosebleeds, or sleep apnea. The surgery is performed using an endoscope, leaving no visible scarring.
• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) is used to open blocked sinuses and relieve pressure or infection. A thin fiber-optic endoscope is inserted through the nose to view the sinus openings. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon removes abnormal or obstructive tissue. Most procedures are done entirely through the nostrils, leaving no external scars. Swelling is typically minimal, with only mild discomfort.
• Image-Guided Sinus Surgery: Uses real-time imaging to help surgeons precisely locate and treat blocked sinuses. This technology improves accuracy, especially in complex cases, and minimizes the risk of damage to surrounding areas. The procedure is typically performed through the nostrils, leaving no external scars and allowing for a quick recovery with minimal discomfort.
• Hearing Implant Surgery (Cochlear Implant Surgery): Cochlear Implant Surgery involves the placement of a small electronic device in the inner ear to restore hearing for individuals with severe hearing loss. The implant bypasses damaged parts of the ear, directly stimulating the auditory nerve. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, and while recovery varies, most patients experience improved hearing ability after the device is activated and adjusted.