Ear, nose & throat (ENT) surgery in Droitwich

Ear, Nose and Throat (referred to as ‘ENT’) covers all problems affecting the ear, nose and throat, including sinus conditions, hearing problems and swallowing difficulties.

A doctor who specialises in this area is known as a Consultant ENT Surgeon. Reasons for people to see them are varied, but some of the more common ones include:

Ears

• Decreased hearing
• Noises in the ears (tinnitus)
• Discharge from the ears
• Dizziness/balance problems
• Blocked ears
• Pain in the ears
• ‘Lumps and bumps’ on the ear
• Perforated eardrums

Nose

• Blocked nose
• Runny nose
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty breathing through one nostril
• Lack of smell
• Snoring
• Allergies/hay fever
• Facial pain – often caused by recurrent sinus problems
• Nasal trauma

Throat/Neck

• Frequent sore throats
• Tonsilitis -may be recurrent
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Hoarse voice
• Sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Snoring complaints
• Lump or swelling in the neck
• Swelling of the salivary glands
• Post-nasal drip
• Recurrent ulcers in mouth
• Dry mouth

As can be seen from the list above, ENT as a speciality covers a wide range of symptoms and conditions. The Consultant ENT Surgeons at The Droitwich Spa Hospital can provide you with comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for any of these concerns. They work closely with a number of colleagues to ensure you receive the necessary specialised care for your condition. (For example, mouth and dental problems can be easily referred over to the Oral and Maxillofacial team at Droitwich Spa if required.)

If you’re showing signs of hearing loss, a hearing test will be arranged for you with an audiologist. Infections in the ear may be treated with specialist suction and/or eardrops. If your Consultant determines that your hearing loss is being caused by fluid in the middle ear (this is known as glue ear) grommets might be an option.

Perforated eardrums will often heal naturally, but if the hole is particularly large, you may need surgery to reconstruct the ear drum. This can be done under general anaesthetic in an operation called a myringoplasty, where the ear drum is reconstructed with a skin graft.

Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty can be helpful for people who suffer with recurrent or severe popping ears.

Certain tonsil problems, particularly when they reoccur regularly, may require surgery to remove the tonsils (a tonsillectomy).

A recurrent or long-term nasal blockage may require Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and/or Nasal Polypectomy (removal of polyps) to treat. If the nasal blockage is being caused by a deviated septum (the septum is the bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils), a Septoplasty to straighten it may be beneficial.

There are many different operations that can be carried out as part of ENT Surgery. If you do require any form of surgery, your Consultant will explain how it will be done, any potential risks you should be aware of, and the benefits you should expect to see as a result of the surgery. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, they will be very happy to talk these through with you. 

What happens at an initial consultation?

When you first meet with your Consultant ENT Surgeon, they will take a medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They will usually want to know:

• What symptoms do you have? 
• How long have you had these symptoms? 
• Have you tried/received any treatment for them yet? If so, did it help? 
• Have these symptoms been getting progressively worse? 
• Do you have any particular concerns about your symptoms (for example, are you worried that lump in your neck may be cancer)? 

Your Consultant will perform a clinical examination of the affected area(s) and may use various handheld instruments to assess the extent of any condition.

Many nose and throat conditions can be investigated and diagnosed with a nasal or throat endoscopy. This involves passing a small thin tube (the endoscope) with a light and camera attached to it up your nose and around into the back of your throat. This gives them a good view inside, allowing them to look for any blockages or swellings.

Additional scans may be needed. Our on-site diagnostic capabilities include X-ray, MRI and Ultrasound, so any of these can be easily arranged for you if required. If your Consultant wants to do a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue that is then sent away for investigation), this may occasionally be done under Ultrasound guidance.

Once the results of any investigations are back, your Consultant will discuss them with you and outline suitable treatment options. Treatments for ENT conditions may include watchful waiting, medication or surgery. If surgery is recommended, it will be fully explained to you, and your Consultant will outline the risks and benefits of each procedure, enabling you to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Some people are referred to our ENT team by their GP or private medical insurance provider. Others visit us because family members or friends have recommended us to them.

Some people live nearby in Droitwich Spa itself, while others choose to travel from further afield in Worcestershire in order to benefit from the expertise of our Consultant ENT Surgeons.

Choosing to have your ENT treatment at Droitwich Spa Hospital comes with a host of benefits, such as:

Assessments ASAP – Certain ear, nose and throat conditions are best treated at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms that are causing you concern, you can be seen by an experienced Consultant ENT Surgeon quickly and easily. An earlier assessment means you’ll have a diagnosis and any necessary treatment started sooner.

Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 95.7% of people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family. We’re very grateful for this feedback and continue to focus on providing the highest stand of care and support to anyone who comes to see us for help with an ear, nose or throat condition.

Rapid access to treatment – Some minor procedures, such as nasal or throat endoscopy, can often be done on the same day as your initial consultation, meaning fewer hospital visits for you.

Personal care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, and your Consultant will tailor treatment to your specific needs. Reviews at appropriate intervals ensure you continue to receive the best treatment for you.

A Multidisciplinary Approach – Our ENT team at Droitwich Spa Hospital work closely with other specialists to provide you with the highest level of care. Oral and Maxillofacial Consultants, Radiologists, Dermatologists, Anaesthetists, Nurses and other healthcare professionals are available on-site to support you at every step of the way during your treatment.

Convenient appointments – With appointments available throughout the week, it is easy to find an appointment slot that suits your availability.

If you find yourself worried about any ear, nose or throat symptoms, why not book a consultation with an ENT specialist at The Droitwich Spa Hospital?  They will thoroughly investigate the cause(s) of your symptoms, outline all treatment options to you and arrange treatment where required as soon as possible.