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Meer informatie omtrent wegnemen van de keelamandelen - tonsillectomie Home Make an appointment Nieuwe pagina About us Useful Documents FAQ Zoekresultaten More Information when removing tonsils and tonsils Introduction The tonsils or tonsils for short consist of lymphoid tissue and are located in the oral cavity, in contrast to the adenoid (also called "polyps") which consists of the same tissue and is located at the back of the nose in the nasopharynx. The adenoid is frequently hypertrophic and chronically infected in children. The following information will provide you with generally accepted information about this type of operation. Your surgeon is at your disposal to assist you with any further questions. Remember to report to your surgeon any information regarding your general health, as well as any medications you regularly take (especially aspirin and related products or medications that may affect clotting). Do not forget to report if you have experienced any allergic reactions, especially reactions to medication. Bring recent medical records in your possession such as blood tests, radiologic and other preoperative examinations. Purpose of the procedure Removal of the tonsil is indicated in recurrent acute and chronic infections or their complications, and also if they have an impeding effect on breathing, swallowing and voice formation due to their volume. Removal of the adenoid, of course usually in children, is indicated in persistent nasal obstruction symptoms and in recurrent nose and throat infections and their complications, in particular recurrent ear infections. In most cases, your doctor will only decide on surgical intervention if drug treatment proves to be insufficient. Nasal infections and ear infections can sometimes still occur after removal of the adenoid. The technical aspects of the operation The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure is performed through the mouth, for both the removal of tonsils and tonsils. The tonsils are usually dissected ("peeled") while the adenoid is curetted ("scraped"). Immediate Effects When the adenoid is removed, the postoperative course is usually without problems, sometimes there is a slightly bloody nasal secretion during the first hours. When the tonsil is removed, there is a wound in the throat on both sides, which will heal over the course of 10 to 14 days. During the first few days a white-grey, somewhat bad-smelling coating forms on the wound. Swallowing is especially difficult during the first few days with sometimes radiating ear pain. The diet has to be adjusted and sometimes painkillers are needed. The length of stay and post-operative care will be communicated to you by the surgeon. The manipulations with instruments in the oral cavity can result in small wounds of the lip, tongue or even prying of a (milk) tooth. The most important immediate risk is bleeding, which necessitates reoperation, or less frequently an infection such as an additional ear infection or throat abscess. Late Effects A late bleeding after about 10 days is rare. Sometimes this requires a new anesthetic with pen and/or stitches. Rarely occurs after healing, when speaking, air loss through the nose (nasality) for which speech therapy is indicated. Almond remains can persist or grow and give rise to infectious symptoms. Tonsils can grow back, especially when removed in children 2 years or younger (although this is certainly not the rule). Serious and/or exceptional complications Any surgical procedure, even performed under ideal conditions and in the best possible way, can entail complications. A massive bleeding, during or immediately after the procedure is exceptional, must be surgically stopped under general anesthesia (tamponing, suturing, ligation of blood vessels). Mucus and blood can be inhaled during or immediately after the procedure, responsible for respiratory infections that may require medical treatment. Phlegmon or abscess formation in the neck area is rare. High fever, pain and swelling in the neck area are the typical features that justify an emergency consultation. All of these risks must be weighed against complications that may arise if surgical treatment is not initiated.

Van Haesendonck NKO Father and son, both specialized in ear, nose and throat diseases and head and neck surgery. You can contact us for expert advice, diagnosis and treatment of nose, throat and ear diseases and head and neck surgery. dr. Jan Van Haesendonck dr. Gilles Van Haesendonck dr. Gilles Van Haesendonck

Informatie betreffende operaties aan de bijschildklieren, ook wel parathyroidectomie genoemd. Information on removal of the parotid sinus / parotidectomy Introduction The purpose of this information is to provide you with generally applicable information about this type of operation. Of course, certain aspects of this document are not applicable in your individual case or should be discussed more or additionally with your surgeon. Remember to report to your surgeon all information regarding your general health, as well as any medications you regularly take (especially aspirin and related products, or other medications that may affect clotting). Do not forget to report if you have experienced any allergic reactions, especially reactions to medication. Bring any recent medical records in your possession, such as blood results, radiologic and other preoperative exams. The parotid gland (parotid gland) is located in front of and below the ear. There are 2 parotid glands, 2 under the jaw and 2 under the tongue. Together with numerous smaller salivary glands, they ensure saliva production. The parotid gland has a superficial and a deep lobe, between which runs the facial nerve (facial nerve). This ensures the mimicry of the face, the closing of lips and eyelids. When a tumor is found, it is best removed surgically. Most growths are benign. Purpose of the procedure When a tumor of the parotid gland needs to be removed, it is safe to do so after carefully locating the facial nerve to try to avoid facial paralysis. The technical aspects of the operation The operation is done under general anaesthetic. Through an incision, which runs in front of the ear and further into the neck, the parotid gland, the facial nerve and the tumor are searched for and the tumor is removed. Depending on the location and extent of the injury, the operation can take up to 4 hours. When you wake up, there is a drain at the bottom of the wound, through which excess wound fluid and saliva can drain. The drain is removed after 3 days, when no more fluid drains. By incising the skin and removing the tumor, the sensory nerve that supplies the earlobe and neck cannot be spared. After the operation, there is a numbness of the earlobe and the area of operation. The numb area gradually becomes smaller and smaller. The immediate consequences Swelling usually occurs in the wound area for several weeks. There may be bleeding from the wound. This usually happens shortly after the operation. Sometimes it is necessary to find the source of bleeding again under anesthesia and to burn the bleeding vessel shut. A crooked face may occur after surgery due to manipulation of the nerve during the procedure with (temporary) paralysis of the facial nerve. The paralysis usually recovers after some time (weeks to months). The belated consequences There may be a collection of saliva previously visible at the bottom of the wound, which may need to be punctured. Frey's syndrome can develop after a few months. Then there is redness and perspiration of the skin of the operating area during eating. Serious and/or late complications Any surgical procedure, even performed under ideal conditions and in the best possible way, can entail complications. Permanent facial nerve failure can occur but is extremely rare. Phlegmon or abscess formation in the neck area is rare. All of these risks must be weighed against complications that may arise if surgical treatment is not initiated. Purpose of the procedure The aim of the surgery is to remove the overactive parathyroid gland(s) and thus normalize the calcium level in the blood. The technical aspects of the operation Anesthesia: The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Procedure: The surgeon makes a small incision in the neck, usually just above the breastbone. Through this incision, the parathyroid glands are located and the overactive gland(s) are removed. Sometimes it is necessary to remove all four parathyroid glands. In that case, a small piece of a parathyroid gland is replaced. Duration: The operation takes on average 1 to 2 hours. After the operation Recovery: After the operation you will usually stay in the hospital for one night. Wound care: The wound is sutured and sometimes a drain is placed to drain wound fluid. Check-ups: Your calcium levels will be checked regularly after the operation. Possible complications As with any surgery, there are risks associated with parathyroidectomy, such as: Post-operative bleeding Infection Hoarseness (temporary or, rarely, permanent) due to damage to the vocal cord nerve Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) This can cause tingling around the mouth and in the fingers, muscle cramps and in severe cases seizures. This is usually temporary and can be treated with calcium supplements. Damage to the parathyroid glands: In very rare cases, all of the parathyroid glands may be damaged, leading to permanent hypocalcemia. The purpose of this information is to provide you with generally applicable information about this type of surgery. It is of course possible that in your individual case certain aspects of this document do not apply or need to be discussed more or additionally with your surgeon. Do not forget to tell your surgeon all information about your general state of health, as well as all medications that you regularly take - especially aspirin and related products, or other medications that can affect clotting. General anesthesia (narcosis) should be discussed in advance with the physician-anesthetist

Meer informatie betreffende ingreep voor flaporen. Home Make an appointment Nieuwe pagina About us Useful Documents FAQ Zoekresultaten More Information for performing an otoplasty Introduction An otoplasty is a surgical correction of deformities of the pinna (protruding ears). Of course, it may be the case that certain aspects of this document are not applicable in your individual case or that they need to be discussed more or additionally with your surgeon. Don't forget to report to your surgeon all information regarding your general health, as well as any medications you regularly take (especially aspirin and related products, or other medications that may affect clotting). Do not forget to report if you have experienced any allergic reactions, especially reactions to medication. Bring recent medical records in your possession such as blood tests, radiologic and other preoperative examinations. Purpose of the procedure This surgical procedure aims to improve the shape of the pinna or the position of the pinna for aesthetic reasons. The technical aspects of the operation The procedure can be performed under general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic or, usually, a combination of both. Xylocaine is injected for local anaesthesia, even if the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure requires a skin incision at the back of the ear, making it possible to work on the cartilage of the pinna or on the bone behind the pinna using appropriate incisions. At the end of the procedure, the skin is closed again and a compression bandage is also applied. The length of hospitalization and post-operative care will be explained in detail by your surgeon. Immediate Effects The main risk is bleeding postoperatively causing a hematoma (collection of blood). If such bleeding occurs, the blood collection must be removed, which involves surgical reoperation followed by a compressive dressing for an extended period of time. Late Effects Postoperative infection is rare and manifests with pinna pain and an inflamed (infectious) appearance of the pinna (red, swelling, warmth). This infection requires appropriate antibiotic treatment to prevent infection of the cartilage. Although the appearance of the obtained result is usually very satisfactory, in some cases irregularities of the fold can be detected. It is very difficult to ensure perfect symmetry of the two auricles. If the asymmetry is too great, it can be corrected with a second surgery. Sensory disturbances can be observed at the level of the scar, which can temporarily hinder the wearing of glasses. The pinna remains sensitive for several weeks. Serious and/or exceptional complications Any surgical procedure, even performed under ideal conditions and in the best possible way, can entail complications. Bruises favor infectious complications and, in particular, a chondritis (infection of the cartilage of the auricle) which can lead to necrosis (death) with almost complete destruction of the cartilage of the ear, leaving a small and often very deformed ear . In very rare, unforeseeable cases, the scarring of the skin behind the ear can thicken and take on an unsightly, hypertrophic appearance, leading to a keloid scar. This may also require a second surgery to correct.

Meer informatie over directe laryngoscopie en ingrepen aan de stembanden of strottnehoofd. Information on thyroid removal / thyroidectomy Introduction The thyroid gland is located low in the front of the neck (just above the sternum) and has two halves, located to the left and right of the trachea, which are interconnected by a narrower “intermediate piece” located in front of the trachea. At the back of each thyroid half, two other small glands are attached to the thyroid gland: the parathyroid glands, these are usually only half a cm. great, but no less important. The thyroid gland produces a hormone that regulates the metabolism of our entire body, the parathyroid glands regulate the calcium content of our body: the absorption in the intestines and distribution to the blood and to our bones. The purpose of this information is to provide you with generally applicable information about this type of operation. Of course it is possible that in your individual case certain aspects of this document do not apply or that they should be discussed more or additionally with your surgeon. Remember to report to your surgeon all information regarding your general health, as well as any medications you regularly take (especially aspirin and related products, or other medications that may affect clotting). The general anesthetic is best discussed in advance with the physician-anaesthetist Purpose of the procedure The thyroid gland is operated on for several possible reasons. Its functioning can be disrupted and can not or insufficiently be adjusted with medication. Even when it is still functioning normally according to blood tests, it can increase strongly in volume and start to exert pressure on surrounding structures, or become aesthetically disturbing. Nodules can grow in the thyroid gland, usually these are benign, sometimes malignant, the distinction between the two is not easy to make “from the outside” so that surgery may be necessary for that reason. The decision to operate is almost always made in consultation with the endocrinologist (or “thyroid specialist”), who also plays an important role in the follow-up after surgery. During thyroid surgery, either one half or both halves of the thyroid gland is removed, sometimes it is also decided to leave a small healthy part of the thyroid gland in place. In other words, what does not happen is that one or a few isolated nodules from the thyroid are surgically removed, for various technical and medical reasons. The parathyroid gland(s) are always removed when they work too strongly, several different diseases can cause this, these are never malignant diseases Technical aspect of the procedure The surgeon makes a horizontal incision in the neck, about 2 cm above the upper edge of the sternum, the incision coincides with the natural skin lines so that the later scar is hardly visible. Some superficial structures are incised or moved to the side to access the thyroid gland. This is then loosened all around and removed. There are a few special points to pay attention to: the parathyroid glands are left in place (with thyroid surgery – in the case of parathyroid surgery it is vice versa) and must therefore first be peeled off the thyroid gland; the nerves of the larynx are also close to the thyroid gland and so should also be carefully avoided. The operation ends with the placement of a “drain” in the wound, which prevents the accumulation of exudate and blood in the neck wound, and with the re-closing of the neck wound in several layers. Immediate consequences of the procedure Mild neck and/or neck pain and mild temporary hoarseness may occur. Eating, drinking, swallowing and talking can be done almost immediately (but food and drink should be limited for the first few hours after surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting as is the case after any anaesthetic), sitting up and walking around as well. An intravenous line remains in the arm for the first 24 hours, the drain usually remains in place for 48 hours. Even when the parathyroid glands were perfectly respected during thyroid surgery, their functioning can be temporarily disrupted. That is why every patient is given preventive calcium intake after surgery and the calcium level in the blood is checked several times. Discharge typically follows the third day after the procedure. The thyroid hormone in our body has a fairly long "half-life", so that deficiency of it (eg when the thyroid gland has been completely removed) is not quickly noticeable. If necessary, however, thyroid replacement medication is also started after the operation. It is best taken in the morning sober. The belated consequences Wound healing is usually fast. Sutures are removed within a week, support plasters (Steri-Strips) are best left on the wound for an extra week. The neck wound must be healed. Stay strictly dry for 2 weeks. Scars heal best if they are not exposed to bright sunlight in the first months, a scarf or "sun block" is sufficient if you have holiday plans. Long-term follow-up of the thyroid gland function and the regulation of “thyroid substitution” are done in consultation with the general practitioner and endocrinologist. With a correct substitution there are no further consequences of the operation Serious and/or exceptional complications Any surgical procedure, even performed under ideal conditions and in the best possible way, can still involve complications. A bruise in the neck may require urgent reoperation, this complication is rare and never occurs after discharge. Permanent hoarseness or even breathlessness due to limited mobility of the vocal cords is very rare and has its specific treatment options. Technical aspect of the procedure During a direct laryngoscopy, an instrument called a laryngoscope is used. This instrument is gently guided to the back of your throat, giving the doctor a good view of your larynx and vocal cords. Using a microscope or camera, the doctor can magnify the images of your larynx and view them on a monitor. If surgery is needed, the doctor can perform it using small instruments through the laryngoscope, often using a CO2 laser. Anesthesia: A direct laryngoscopy is always performed under general anesthesia. Duration: The examination usually takes 30 to 60 minutes Consequences of the procedure Mild pain in the throat and/or neck and slight temporary hoarseness may occur. Eating, drinking, swallowing and talking can be done almost immediately (but food and drink should be limited for the first few hours after surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting as is the case after any anesthesia). Serious and/or exceptional complications Every surgical procedure, even in ideal conditions and performed in the best possible way, can still lead to complications. Damage to the teeth, lips or throat tissue during insertion of the laryngoscope. Temporary voice change or hoarseness as a result of manipulation of the vocal cords. Possible reactions to anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems are also possible, as with every procedure. The purpose of this information is to provide you with generally applicable information about this type of surgery. It is of course possible that in your individual case certain aspects of this document do not apply or need to be discussed more or additionally with your surgeon. Do not forget to tell your surgeon all information about your general state of health, as well as all medications that you regularly take - especially aspirin and related products, or other medications that can affect clotting. General anesthesia (narcosis) should be discussed in advance with the physician-anesthetist