ENT
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Procedures Abroad
Overview
ar, nose and throat surgical procedures are commonly performed and involve all aspects of care in the head and neck area. Such surgeries are often utilized in the treatment of traumatic injuries, congenital deformities and disease processes.
The ear, nose and throat medical specialty field is called otorhinolaryngology. A doctor who specializes in this field is known as an otolaryngologist while the specialty field is defined as otolaryngology.
Nose surgery is commonly performed in the treatment of sinus problems. Ear surgery is commonly performed to treat or correct hearing loss while throat surgery treats all types of diseases or malfunctions of the throat or larynx including cancer, the tonsils and the adenoids.
Benefits of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Procedures
An ear, nose or throat surgical procedure may help to correct congenital, birth defects, or deformities as well as treat conditions such as cancer. Individuals diagnosed with sinus problems, hearing problems, or swallowing problems may benefit from a variety of surgical procedures in the face or neck area.
Common Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery Procedures
Some of the most common surgical procedures in the throat include:
- GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
- Laryngeal cancer (such as radial neck dissection)
- Throat nodules
- Tracheotomy
- Dysphagia
- Tonsillectomy
- Adenoidectomy
- Tumor removal
Common surgical procedures of the nose include treatment for:
- Allergies
- Hay fever
- Cleft lip/deviated septum (septoplasty)
- Chronic nasal obstruction
- Sinusitis
- Nasal fractures
Common surgical procedures and treatment of hearing loss include:
- Cochlear implants
- Ear tube placement
- Stapedectomy (removal of a portion or all of the stapes bone of the middle ear)
- Tympanoplasty (ear drum reconstruction)
- Treatment for tinnitus
- Treatments for otitis media
- Myringotomy (ear tube insertion for drainage with chronic ear infection)
- Treatment for hearing loss requiring hearing aids
In addition, any ear, nose or throat surgeon or specialist may engage in subspecialties including neurology, facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, rhinology or sinus (nose and nasal), pediatrics, laryngology, and otology or hearing loss.
These subspecialties enable surgeons to determine the causes of and treat additional conditions including:
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Ménière's disease
- Mastoiditis
- Damage caused by smoking
Cost of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Procedures
In the United States, the cost of ear, nose or throat surgical procedures will depend on a number of factors including whether the surgical procedure is an inpatient or outpatient surgery, geographical location, the surgeon involved, and medical insurance coverage. In the United States, for example, a cochlear implant may average around $50,000, with ear tube insertion averaging about $46,000. Treatment of throat cancer or cancers of the nose, mouth or ear may average around $44,000 while a laryngectomy may cost about $52,000. An operation to the thyroid averages around $30,000 while radical neck dissection for cancer treatment may average roughly $52,000.
Medical patients traveling to foreign destinations such as India and Mexico may save thousands of dollars on the same surgical procedure. Cost savings don't reflect a lack of training, experience, technology or state-of-the-art facilities, but different healthcare systems offered in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Central Europe and South Africa.
Finding an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon or Specialist
An ear, nose and throat specialist or surgeon undergoes traditional medical school, internship, residency and hospital training and then specializes in ear, nose and throat surgical procedures. An experienced ENT surgeon treats a wide number of conditions and diseases. An ENT surgeon may spend as many as 12 years in schooling and training which includes four years of medical school, one year of general surgery training followed by four years of specialized ENT surgery training and education.
Accredited and certified surgeons should belong to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology or the Entomological Society of America or other similar organizations or boards in the surgeon’s country of origin. Always verify the education, training and experience of any surgeon who may perform surgery and make sure they are licensed to practice in the facility of your choice.
For more information about ENT Procedures and where you can find the best treatment option, do not hesitate to contact us!
By: PlacidWay,
