ENT stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat. It’s a medical specialty that focuses on treating conditions related to these three important areas of the body. Doctors who specialize in ENT are called otolaryngologists. They treat a wide range of problems, from hearing loss and sinus issues to throat infections and voice disorders.
ENT doctors also perform surgeries when medications or other treatments don’t work. These surgeries can improve how you breathe, hear, or speak. Some are done for medical reasons, while others may also improve appearance or comfort.
One question people often ask is: What is the most common ENT surgery? The answer is tonsillectomy, especially in children. However, in adults, other surgeries like septoplasty and sinus surgery are also very common. In this article, we’ll explore these procedures in detail, why they’re needed, what to expect, and how they help patients feel better.
What Is a Tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. The tonsils are two small glands located at the back of your throat. They help fight infections, especially in young children. However, sometimes they become a problem instead of helping.
When the tonsils are often infected or swollen, they can cause issues like:
- Repeated sore throats
- Trouble breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
- Bad breath
- Difficulty swallowing
In these cases, doctors may recommend removing them. The procedure is quick and usually done under general anesthesia. That means you’re asleep during the surgery and won’t feel anything.
Why Is Tonsillectomy So Common?
Tonsillectomy is very common, especially among children. There are a few reasons for this:
- Children tend to get frequent throat infections.
- Swollen tonsils can block the airway and affect sleep.
- Removing the tonsils often reduces sick days from school.
- It can improve overall quality of life by preventing repeated illness.
In adults, tonsillectomy is less common but still done, especially if infections are severe or if the tonsils cause breathing problems.
What Happens During a Tonsillectomy?
Before surgery, your doctor will check your health and may run some blood tests. On the day of the surgery:
- You’ll be given anesthesia to help you sleep.
- The surgeon removes the tonsils using special tools.
- The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- You’ll wake up in a recovery room and go home the same day in most cases.
The recovery takes about 7 to 10 days. During this time, you’ll need to rest, drink fluids, and eat soft foods like soup, pudding, or mashed potatoes.
What Are the Risks of Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a safe surgery, but like all procedures, there are some risks:
- Bleeding (during or after surgery)
- Infection
- Pain, especially when swallowing
- Dehydration if not drinking enough
Most people recover without any serious problems, especially with proper care and follow-up.
What Is Septoplasty?
Another very common ENT surgery is septoplasty. This is a procedure to fix a crooked or deviated septum. The septum is the wall that divides your nose into two sides. When it’s not straight, it can block airflow and cause:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Nosebleeds
- Snoring
- Sinus infections
Septoplasty helps open the nasal passages and improve airflow.
Why Do People Need Septoplasty?
A deviated septum can be present at birth or caused by an injury. Many people don’t realize they have it until breathing becomes difficult or they have frequent nose problems. If nasal sprays or other treatments don’t help, surgery may be the best option.
Septoplasty is one of the most common ENT surgeries in adults. It can greatly improve comfort and breathing.
What Happens During Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is usually done under general or local anesthesia. Here’s what happens:
- The surgeon works inside the nose to straighten the septum.
- No cuts are made on the outside of the nose.
- The surgery takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
- You can go home the same day.
After surgery, the nose may feel blocked for a few days due to swelling. Most people return to normal activities in about a week. Full healing can take several weeks.
What Are the Risks of Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is generally safe, but there are some possible risks:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nasal blockage from swelling
- A hole in the septum (rare)
- Changes in smell or nasal shape (very rare)
Following your doctor’s instructions during recovery helps reduce these risks.
What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?
Sinus surgery is another common ENT procedure, especially for people with chronic sinus infections. When the sinuses (air-filled spaces in the face) get blocked or inflamed, they can cause:
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Nasal congestion
- Mucus buildup
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) helps clear these blockages. It allows the sinuses to drain better and prevents future infections.
How Is Sinus Surgery Performed?
Sinus surgery is done using a thin camera called an endoscope. It’s inserted through the nose, so there are no cuts on the face. The surgeon uses special tools to remove polyps, tissue, or bone that block the sinuses.
Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll receive general anesthesia.
- The surgeon gently opens the blocked sinus passages.
- The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours.
- Most people go home the same day.
After surgery, there might be nasal stuffiness and light bleeding. Recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
What Are the Risks of Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is very safe, especially with modern techniques. Risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring inside the nose
- Rare eye or brain injury (extremely rare)
Using a skilled ENT surgeon lowers the chances of these risks.
Other Common ENT Surgeries
Besides the top three (tonsillectomy, septoplasty, and sinus surgery), there are several other common ENT procedures:
1. Myringotomy with Ear Tubes
Used to treat repeated ear infections in children. Tiny tubes are placed in the eardrum to help fluid drain and reduce pressure.
2. Adenoidectomy
Sometimes done with tonsillectomy. The adenoids are glands behind the nose that can become swollen and block airflow or cause ear infections.
3. Laryngoscopy
A procedure to look at the voice box and throat. Used to diagnose voice problems, throat pain, or growths.
4. Thyroid Surgery
ENT doctors sometimes operate on the thyroid gland in the neck, especially when there are nodules or signs of cancer.
Choosing the Right ENT Surgery
Not all patients need surgery. ENT doctors will try medicine and other treatments first. If those don’t work, surgery may be the best choice. Factors that affect the decision include:
- Severity of symptoms
- How often the issue comes back
- Impact on daily life (like sleep, work, or school)
- Overall health and age of the patient
Always talk with a certified ENT specialist to understand the best options for your situation.
What to Expect After ENT Surgery
After surgery, it’s normal to feel tired or sore. Recovery depends on the type of surgery. Here are general tips to help healing:
- Rest and avoid heavy activity
- Follow the doctor’s instructions
- Take medications as prescribed
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid smoking, which can slow healing
Follow-up appointments are important to make sure everything is healing properly.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the most common ENT surgery? For children, tonsillectomy is at the top of the list. For adults, septoplasty and sinus surgery are very common. These procedures help improve breathing, reduce infections, and increase comfort in daily life.
ENT surgery has come a long way. Thanks to modern techniques and better tools, these procedures are now safer and faster than ever. If you or a loved one is dealing with chronic ear, nose, or throat problems, don’t ignore them. A visit to an ENT specialist can lead to a diagnosis, relief, and a better quality of life.
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