Anatomy & Physiology
What part of the ear is a grommet inserted into?
Eardrum/ tympanic membrane
What are 4 common ENT procedures?
T's & A's, Grommets, LTB, Supraglottoplasty, Myringoplasty, Mastoidectomy, Cochlear implant, Turbinoplasty
What are the post op observations?
How long do grommets last?
6-12months, they fall out and the ear drum closes up naturally
Where are the turbinates located?
inside the nose
How many types of tonsils do we have?
4
Tubal - openings of the Eustachian tubes (tubes connecting middle ear to back of throat)
Palatine - back of the throat
Lingual - base of the tongue
Pharangeal - roof of nasopharynx (adenoids)
Name three surgical procedures for ears
Myringotomy/Grommets
Myringoplasty
Mastoidectomy
Cochlear implant
What days are considered the most painful post op?
Days 3-6
Why is a myringoplasty performed?
to repair a perforated tympanic membrane
What is the length of stay post op?
Days cases - 4 hours minimum
The nasal cavity has 4 main functions, what are they?
Warming and humidifying inspired air, trapping pathogens and particulate matter, facilitating the sense of smell, and providing air for respiration
Name 4 indications for an Laryngotracheobronchoscopy (LTB)
Noisy or difficult breathing
Persistent/ongoing cough
Weak cry or hoarse voice
Difficulty in feeding or swallowing
Foreign body in the airway
Blockage of the airway
What is the difference between intracapsular and extracapsular tonsillectomy?
Intracapsular - removes only tonsil tissue, leaving the capsule intact
Extracapsular - complete removal of palatine tonsil, including the fibrous capsule that surrounds them
What are the two other names used for grommets?
Tympanostomy tube
Ventilation tube
Can patients fly post turbinoplasty?
Yes, surgeon dependent for time frame. Min 24 hours post anaesthetic.
What are the three parts of the upper respiratory tract and three parts of the lower respiratory tract?
Upper: Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx.
Lower: Trachea, primary bronchi, lungs
What is a FESS procedure?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery - involves nasal endoscopes used to enlarge the nasal drainage pathways of the paranasal sinuses and improve ventilation.
What steps do we take if there is evidence of significant bleeding
When is the post op appointment for cochlear implants to be "switched on"?
Typically, at the 2-week mark
How many types of turbinates do we have?
3 inferior, middle, superior
The ear is comprised of three different sections - external, middle and inner.
What does the inner ear consist of?
Inner ear consists of
What is a supraglottoplasty and why is it performed?
A surgical procedure that alters the malformed structures of the upper larynx. Excess tissue is reduced or removed to improve breathing without compromising function of the airway.
Performed to reduce symptoms of laryngomalacia.
Haemorrhages can occur in what percentage of operations?
1-2%
What are the two methods to perform a myringoplasty, what is their length of stay post procedure and how can you tell which approach was used?
Transcanal/ fat patch/ endural - 2 hours
Post auricular - 4 hours
Will be stated on op report, or look for incision site, if behind ear - post auricular if no external incision noted - transcanal/endural.
What are the different terms used for surgery of the turbinates?
cauterisation, coblation, radiofrequency reduction, microdebrider resection, and partial resection