Tonsillectomy
One of the most common throat operations, tonsillectomy surgically removes the tonsils, masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat that work with the adenoids and immune system early in life to defend the body against invading bacteria and viruses. Occasionally the tonsils become infected or abscessed, and, if these conditions continue, enlarged, causing breathing and swallowing problems such as snoring, disturbed sleep, chronic mouth breathing (possibly resulting in deformations of the face and mouth), ear infections and hearing loss. Signs that you or your child may have tonsillitis (infected tonsils) include:
- Tonsils that are enlarged, redder than usual, or have a white or yellow coating
- Swelling that causes a slight voice change
- Sore throat
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
- Fever
- Bad breath
For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Merrin at 805-563-9814
Adenoidectomy
Adenoidectomy is a very common throat operation in which the adenoids are surgically removed. Adenoids are masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat that work with the tonsils and immune system early in life to defend the body against invading bacteria and viruses.
Occasionally the adenoids become infected and, after repeated infections, enlarged, causing breathing and swallowing problems such as snoring, disturbed sleep, chronic mouth breathing (possibly resulting in deformations of the face and mouth), ear infections and hearing loss. Signs that you or your child may have enlarged adenoids include:
- Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose
- “Blocked”-sounding nose when speaking
- Frequent ear infection
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea (frequent pauses in breathing at night)
The first stage of treatment for chronic adenoid enlargement is a course of antibiotics or steroids. If this fails to resolve the problem, the adenoids may be removed. Removal may also be recommended for patients with chronic ear infections, tumors or difficulty breathing.
For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Merrin at 805-563-9814
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Elective surgery to facilitate drainage of the sinuses by widening the openings and removing excess mucus or diseased tissue is easier, faster and safer today than ever before. Modern advances in medical technology, specifically the endoscope (a thin fiberoptic tube inserted through the nostrils) and surgical lasers, allow for a minimally invasive procedure with less post-operative pain and shorter recovery time. Three-dimensional imaging provides the surgeon with real-time visualizations of the patient’s sinuses to avoid damage to neighboring structures such as the brain, eyes and arteries.
The decision to undergo surgery may be made when sinus infections recur or do not respond to medications (antibiotics, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines) or to non-surgical procedures such as flushing. Pre-surgical testing includes nasal endoscopy, CT scan and allergy testing to determine the effect of allergies on the problems experienced.
For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Merrin at 805-563-9814
Canaloplasty
“Surfer's ear” is a condition of bone growth in the ear canal caused by the cooling effect of cold water and wind. The ear canal develops bony growths called exostoses. Over time, this can eventually cause a partial or even complete blockage of the ear canal. The only way to treat Surfer’s ear definitively is to remove the bony growths (exostoses). The procedure is called Canaloplasty and is done on an outpatient basis. The recovery period is approximately 3 weeks. During this time period, water should not enter the ear canal – meaning no swimming or surfing. If ear plugs are not worn after the ear canals have healed (after surgery), the bony growths can recur. It may take several years for that to occur, but it will probably occur. The best treatment is prevention.
Dr. Merrin utilizes a unique technique done through the external ear canal. The primary removal is done with micro chisels, allowing for less discomfort, greater safety, and faster healing.
For more information please contact Dr. Michael Merrin at 805-563-9814
