Throat surgery encompasses a variety of medical procedures aimed at diagnosing, treating, or managing conditions affecting the throat, including the larynx (voice box) and surrounding anatomical structures.

Throat surgery can be used to treat:

• Chronic tonsillitis
• Sleep apnea
• Vocal cord disorders
• Throat tumors
• Laryngeal cancer
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Throat obstructions
• Chronic reflux

We perform the following throat procedures:

• Bronchoscopy: This procedure inserts a flexible tube called an anoscope, equipped with a light and camera, through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (the large air passages leading from the trachea to the lungs) to:
  • Help identify lung infections, tumors, or blockages
  • Remove foreign objects, clear mucus plugs, or take biopsies
  • Monitor ongoing conditions or the effects of previous treatment

• Laryngoscopy: This procedure examines the larynx with a laryngoscope, a tube with a light and camera attached, to:
  • Diagnose throat disorders, including tumors, inflammation, infections, or structural issues within the larynx
  • Assess voice problems or vocal cord issues
  • Evaluate swallowing difficulties
  • Take biopsies to check for cancer or other pathological conditions
  • Remove polyps and place breathing tubes

• Tonsillectomy: This surgical procedure removes the tonsils to treat:
  • Recurrent tonsillitis
  • Sleep apnea
  • Suspected cancer

• Adenoidectomy: This procedure removes the adenoids, which are small masses of lymphatic tissue located behind the nose and above the roof of the mouth. Enlarged or inflamed adenoids can cause:
  • Chronic respiratory infections
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Speech problems
• Thyroid Surgery: Also known as thyroidectomy, this surgery removes portions or the entirety of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, to treat:
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Benign nodules
  • Conditions like Graves’ disease
  • Goiters

• Vocal Cord Surgery: This surgery involves procedures to diagnose and treat disorders of the vocal cords, such as nodules, paralysis, cancer, and structural abnormalities.

• Vocal Cord Lesion Biopsies: This procedure removes a small tissue sample from the vocal cords for further examination when abnormalities such as nodules, polyps, cysts, or tumors are present.

Patients need to follow specific preoperative instructions, which may include fasting or medication adjustments.

• Outpatient Procedures: Some throat surgeries, like certain biopsies or minor vocal cord surgeries, may be done as outpatient procedures. Patients can return home the same day after a brief recovery period in a recovery room.

• Inpatient Surgeries: More complex procedures, such as laryngeal cancer surgeries or significant reconstructive surgeries, often require an overnight hospital stay to monitor the patient’s recovery, manage pain, and watch for any potential complications.

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Patients may experience soreness, swelling, and difficulty swallowing post-surgery. Doctors usually recommend pain management strategies and a soft diet during the initial recovery phase. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor progress and address any complications.

Since opening our doors in 1926, our goal has been 100% patient satisfaction. In addition to many regional, statewide, and national awards and recognitions, we also value what our patients tell us about their experiences.

“I recently had a tonsillectomy here and was blown away by how friendly everyone was, from the doctor who performed my procedure to the pre-op nurses, anesthesiologist, post-op nurse, and check-in folks. They do take care of their patients here.”

Check out our other reviews and awards here.

Click here to meet with one of our board-certified ENT doctors today.