Mouth / Throat / Larynx
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which both palatine tonsils are fully removed from the back of the throat. The procedure is mainly performed for recurrent throat infections (tonsillitis), snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). In cases of chronic tonsillitis in adults, there is strong evidence of increased quality of life, reduction of symptoms, and economic benefit. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and patient can go home at the same day.
Adenoidectomy
Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids which are located at the back of the nasal cavity and can cause breathing problems when enlarged. The procedure is done for reasons which include impaired breathing through the nose, chronic infections, or recurrent earaches. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and patient can go home at the same day.
UPPP - Uvulo-Palato-Pharyngoplasty
Uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical procedure designed to treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and snoring by removing or reshaping tissues in the throat. This surgery specifically targets the uvula (the small, soft piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of your throat), the soft palate (the roof of the mouth), and sometimes the tonsils or other surrounding tissues. The goal of UPPP is to widen the airway in the throat, reducing the chances of it collapsing during sleep, which can cause breathing interruptions and loud snoring.
UPPP is usually considered when other treatments for sleep apnoea, like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, haven’t been effective or are not well tolerated. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain during the surgery. Recovery can take a few weeks, during which time you may experience some throat pain and difficulty swallowing, but these symptoms gradually improve. UPPP can significantly reduce symptoms of sleep apnoea and improve sleep quality, though it’s important to note that it may not completely cure the condition in all cases.
Tongue tie
Tongue-tie surgery, also known as a frenotomy or frenuloplasty, is a simple procedure to correct a condition called tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). Tongue-tie occurs when a band of tissue called the frenulum, which connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or tight. This can restrict the movement of the tongue, making it difficult for babies to breastfeed, and for older children or adults to speak, eat, or swallow properly. The surgery involves snipping or cutting the frenulum to free up the tongue’s movement.
The procedure is usually quick and can often be done in a doctor’s office, especially for newborns. For older children or adults, it may be done under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity. After the surgery, there might be some mild discomfort, but the recovery is generally fast, and most people can resume normal activities within a day or two. Tongue-tie surgery can make a big difference in improving speech, eating, and overall oral function.
Mouth Tumours / Cysts
Surgery for small mouth tumours or cysts involves the removal of abnormal growths inside the mouth. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and might appear on the gums, tongue, cheeks, or other areas of the mouth. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs, while tumours are solid masses of tissue. Although small, these growths can cause discomfort, interfere with eating or speaking, or have the potential to become more serious if not treated. The goal of surgery is to safely remove the tumour or cyst and ensure that the surrounding healthy tissue is preserved.
The procedure is typically done by an oral surgeon or an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist. Depending on the size and location of the growth, the surgery may be done under local anaesthesia, where only the area around the tumour or cyst is numbed, or under general anaesthesia, where the patient is asleep. The surgeon carefully removes the growth and may send it to a lab for analysis to determine if it is benign or malignant. Recovery from surgery is usually straightforward, with most people experiencing mild pain or swelling for a few days, which can be managed with medication. After the surgery, regular check-ups may be necessary to ensure that the area heals properly and that the growth does not return.
Vocal Cords - Microlaryngoscopy
Microlaryngoscopy surgery is a procedure used to examine and treat problems in the larynx, or voice box, using a special instrument called a laryngoscope. This instrument is a thin tube with a light and camera at the end, which allows the surgeon to get a close-up view of the vocal cords and surrounding areas. The “micro” part of the name refers to the use of a microscope during the surgery, which helps the surgeon see even tiny details. This surgery is often used to remove small growths like nodules, polyps, or cysts on the vocal cords, or to take a biopsy if there's a concern about cancer. The surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia, meaning the patient is asleep and won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Because micro laryngoscopy is minimally invasive, there are no external cuts or stitches, and recovery is typically quick. Most patients can go home the same day and are advised to rest their voice for a few days to allow the vocal cords to heal. This surgery is especially important for those who use their voice professionally, like singers or public speakers, as it helps restore the voice to its best possible function.