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San Jorge Children's Medical Office Building 252 Calle San Jorge Suite 501 San Juan, PR 00912
Tel: 787-268-2300
Throat
Adenoidectomy
An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoid glands. Adenoids are small lumps of tissue in the back of the throat that help fight ear, nose and throat infections. If they become infected and swollen, they may block the nose and make it difficult to breathe, as well as lead to conditions such as sleep apnea, chronic snoring, ear infections and difficulty swallowing.
The majority of adenoidectomies are performed in children, as the adenoids usually shrink by adolescence and do not require surgery in adults. This outpatient procedure is performed under general anesthesia. At Pediatric Otolaryngology, we use Coblation technology to remove the adenoids with radiofrequency energy. This technique offers patients less bleeding, less post-operative pain and shorter recovery times.
Branchial Cleft Cyst Surgery
A branchial cleft cyst is an abnormality present at birth on the side of the neck as a result of embryologic development. In many patients, this condition is not noticeable until adolescence, when it grows larger in size. These cysts do not usually cause any problems, although some may occasionally drain mucus.
These cysts can be effectively treated through surgical excision, which is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. A small drain may be left in the incision for the next 24 to 48 hours for proper healing. Most patients experience successful results from excision surgery.
Laryngeal Surgery
Laryngeal surgery is often performed as a treatment option for patients with laryngeal cancer, as it effectively removes all traces of cancer and surrounding tissue. Laryngeal surgery may include removal of part or all of the voice box (larynx), and can be performed with laser technology in many cases.
Your child’s surgeon will determine which type of procedure is best for the individual type and stage of the cancer. Surgery helps reduce the risk of recurrence. After surgery, patients may require additional procedures and speech therapy to restore speech function.
Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils (two oval-shaped pads located in the back of the throat on each side). A tonsillectomy is needed for children experiencing recurring episodes of tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) or an infection that has not gotten better with other treatment. In some cases, a tonsillectomy may be performed if enlarged tonsils block normal breathing. This can lead to problems such as sleep apnea and difficulty eating. Occasionally, a tonsillectomy may be performed to treat cancer.
Our doctors perform tonsillectomy using patented Coblation technology, which involves the use of radiofrequency energy to quickly and safely remove tissue for less bleeding and less post-operative pain. We do not use heating or burning to remove tissue. A tonsillectomy is much more commonly performed on children rather than adults. The surgery is most often an outpatient procedure and uses a general anesthetic for children.
Tracheostomy Surgery
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a hole in the trachea, or windpipe, in order to help patients breathe. This is usually done to temporarily place a breathing tube in patients who need a ventilator, or who have an obstructed airway that causes difficulty coughing.
The tracheostomy procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves an incision in the neck to access the trachea. It is often performed as an emergency procedure to help patients receive oxygen. Recovery from tracheostomy surgery takes a few weeks and may require speech therapy along with plenty of rest.
UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure used to remove excess tissue in the throat to widen the airway. This allows air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, reducing snoring and sleep apnea. The tissues removed during UPPP may include:
• The uvula (the small piece of finger-like tissue that hangs at the back of the throat)
• All or part of the soft palate (the soft part of the roof of the mouth)
• Excess throat tissue, tonsils, and adenoids