Wrocław Medical Center

Laryngology.

Are you experiencing unpleasant disorders of the ears, nose, throat, larynx, salivary glands or peripheral organs of balance? Visit the WMC, where we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of ENT disorders in children and adults.

Laryngological examination is carried out using classic instruments and endoscopic optics - the video track allows visualisation of the examined elements on the monitor screen and photographic archiving of the examination. The endoscopic examination is not painful in most cases, but if the patient feels discomfort during the examination, we use a local anaesthetic (small patients are routinely examined after the application of a local anaesthetic). You are welcome!

Specialists

lekarz

M.D. Paulina Lepka

Laryngologist

Specialist in otorhinolaryngology and audiology and phoniatrics

Member of the Polish Association of Otolaryngologists Head and Neck Surgeons.

Graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Wrocław

Graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Wrocław.

Doctor in the course of specialisation in otorhinolaryngology

I deal with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the throat, ears, nose, paranasal sinuses, larynx, salivary glands.

I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Lodz.

Range of treatments and examinations performed

Adenotomy - removal of the pharyngeal tonsil (third tonsil)

The procedure involves the removal of hypertrophied adenoid tissue from the nasopharynx via a transoral approach. For the safety of the patient, the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, which also ensures the precision of the procedure. Qualification is based on endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx and assessment of the degree of obstruction. The procedure is mostly performed in children, with the occasional need to remove a persistent tonsillectomy in adult patients. After the procedure, it is necessary to abstain from physical exertion for up to three weeks. A non-irritating diet is recommended for a period of several days. The adenotomy procedure involves the removal of the hypertrophied tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil and is not a complete procedure, so occasionally the lymphatic tissue in the nasopharynx may regrow, especially as a result of frequent upper respiratory infections.

Tonsillotomy/tonsillectomy - clipping or excision of the palatine tonsils.

During the procedure, the hypertrophied tissue of the palatine tonsils is reduced (tonsillotomy) or the tonsils are removed entirely externally (tonsillectomy). The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. In adults, in case of contraindications to general anaesthesia, the procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia. In younger children (4-5 years old), where the problem is mainly the size of the palatine tonsils, a tonsillotomy procedure is performed. In older children and adults, when the indication for the procedure is frequent tonsillitis, abscesses or periglottal infiltration, tonsillectomy is performed. The procedure is carried out using the classic method. After the procedure, it is necessary to refrain from physical exertion, lifting, avoiding hot baths for three weeks and avoiding hot, acidic or spicy food.

Adenotonsillotomy / adenotonsillectomy - removal of the pharyngeal tonsil and trimming or excision of the palatine tonsils. Hypertrophy of the lateral tonsils very often coexists with hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil.

During the procedure, the hypertrophied tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil is removed and the palatine tonsils are trimmed or excised under general anaesthesia.

Septoplasty - corrective surgery for a crooked nasal septum.

The aim of the procedure is to improve nasal patency by removing crooked cartilaginous fragments of the nasal septum. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, less commonly under local anaesthesia. It uses an intranasal technique, i.e. the incision is made at the border between the skin and the mucosa in the nasal cavity, and the scar is not visible afterwards. At the end of the procedure, sutures are placed over the incision made and separators are placed over the nasal septum. After the procedure, dressings are placed in the nasal passages, which make nasal breathing much more difficult. The dressings are removed 2 days after the procedure. The recovery period lasts about three weeks, during which time you should refrain from physical exertion, lifting or hot baths, and avoid eating hot food.

Conchoplasty - plasty of the inferior nasal auricles.

It is a simple, minimally invasive ENT procedure that involves reducing the volume of the mucous membrane of the nasal auricles, primarily the lower ones. The procedure is mainly performed under local anaesthesia, rarely under general anaesthesia. The method used is submucosal thermoablation. This procedure is performed, among other things, in chronic inflammatory conditions, both allergic and infectious, the consequence of which is the hypertrophy of the nasal auricles. The lasting effects of the procedure can be felt after only two weeks, while the patient should avoid exhaustion, hot baths and working in dusty and cold environments.

Septoplasty with conchoplasty - corrective surgery of the nasal septum with plasty of the inferior nasal auricles.

Indicated when nasal patency impairment is caused by both nasal septal curvature and inferior nasal auricle hypertrophy.

Frenotomy - undercutting the frenulum of the tongue.

A procedure performed in both children and adults for a shortened frenulum of the tongue. The frenulum is a tissue structure located between the ventral surface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. A shortened frenulum causes problems with proper pronunciation, chewing food and maintaining oral hygiene. Surgical treatment is a simple, virtually painless and, most importantly, effective solution. A shortened frenulum can cause difficulties already in the first weeks of life, when newborns have difficulty sucking food. Such difficulties often also develop into problems swallowing solid foods when the diet is expanded. A short frenulum of the tongue can also result in malocclusion and subsequent dental and periodontal disease. A significant problem in people with a short frenulum is speech defects. Frenectomy requires the administration of a local anaesthetic. The frenulum is trimmed using scissors or a laser.

Coagulation of bleeding vessels of the nasal septum using argon plasma.

The indication for the procedure is recurrent nosebleeds. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is not painful for the patient.

Removal of hypertrophic lesions: papillomas, fibromas from the auricle, nose, oral cavity, throat.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia using classic instruments or laserCO2.

Uvula plasticity-reduction of the size of an oversized uvula.

The procedure consists of shortening the uvula by cutting off its distal part - the overgrown tip. The procedure is performed using the classic method, electrocoagulation or a CO2 laser. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is not painful for the patient.

FAQ

What does an ENT consultation look like and should you be afraid of an ENT examination?

ENT advice consists of a subjective examination of the patient - medical history - and a physical examination - a proper ENT examination.

 

During the examination, the ENT surgeon views the patient's ears, nose, mouth, throat and larynx using classic instruments. An additional examination for the doctor is an endoscopic examination, i.e. an examination using a flexible nasofiberoscope - this is a narrow tube with a camera. With the help of the endoscope, it is possible to visualise areas of the nose, nasopharynx, lower pharynx and larynx that are more difficult to access during classical examination. It is with the nasofiberoscope that the pharyngeal tonsil (third tonsil) is assessed in children. The examination with the endoscope takes place through the nose and is not a painful examination. There is an option to anaesthetise the nasal passages before the examination using local anaesthetics.

Is there any special preparation required before an ENT examination?

No special procedures are necessary before the ENT examination. It is recommended not to consume food just before the examination and to maintain a standard oral toilet.

Can a frenotomy be performed at the first appointment?

Yes, if there are indications for frenectomy of the tongue, the qualification and the procedure can take place during the same visit.

If, when registering for an ENT appointment, the facility's staff are informed of the possibility of a frenotomy, the patient will be emailed the relevant preparation recommendations. 

Under what type of anaesthesia are the procedures performed at Wrocław Medical Center?

We have the option of both local and general anaesthesia. The type of anaesthesia is adapted to the extent and length of the procedure. Minor ENT procedures such as removal of small lesions from the nasal, oral or pharyngeal mucous membranes, reduction of nasal conchae, frenotomy, electrocoagulation of dilated nasal septum vessels are usually performed under local anaesthesia. Adenotomy, tonsillectomy, nasal septum plasty or frenotomy procedures requiring additional surgical procedures take place under general anaesthesia of the patient.

Is there any special preparation required for ENT surgery?

Yes, first of all the patient consulted and qualified for the procedure by a doctor working outside Wrocław Medical Center should be scheduled for a qualifying visit at our facility. During such a visit, the doctor will explain in detail what the procedure will consist of, the type of anaesthesia it will be performed under, and what the postoperative convalescence will be like. Before the procedure, it is important to inform the doctor about any chronic illnesses, medication you are taking or allergies. Before the procedure, it is necessary to carry out laboratory blood tests, and it may be necessary to consult other specialists in the event of accompanying chronic diseases.

Should an ENT appointment be made in advance?

If there is a possibility, the patient should arrive approximately 5 minutes before the appointment to complete the formalities at the registration desk.