There is a large range of operations within this spectrum. This ranges from minor day procedures such as grommets and biopsies through to much more invasive procedures.
Ear surgery is mostly for elective conditions. This includes grommets which involve a quick general anaesthetic through to more involved operations such as mastoid surgery. The latter involve long procedures although the recovery and pain issues are relatively straightforward. Oral painkillers normally suffice and lots of anti nausea medications are utilised to minimise nausea.
Nose and sinus surgery is common. Often these are overnight stay operations. We use a drip and routine monitoring with oral pain relief afterwards. You may have some blood loss from the nose afterwards.
Throat surgery is a specialist area ranging from tonsillectomies to the management of complicated airway pathology. The latter is often for pathology which is affecting a patient’s breathing and therefore potentially life threatening. Rarely this may involve fibreoptic intubations along with other techniques to make sure of patient safety and comfort. Depending on the disease process, you may need to go to the intensive care unit (ICU) afterwards for close monitoring. If you have scans, please bring them to hospital with you.