Een scheefstand van het neustussenschot laten rechtzetten met een septoplastie: doel, verloop en herstel. Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. Information on septoplasty and conchaplasty 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. 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). What function does the nose have? The nose is certainly not only there for the smell, although this is of course an important part of the function. The nose is primarily a part of the respiratory organs. In the nose, the inhaled air is heated, moistened and cleaned. For example, more than 95% of the particles that pollute our air are filtered out through the nose and made harmless. The nose ensures the best possible breathing. In addition, the nose has an important function in voice formation and the drainage of tear fluid also runs through the nose. Finally, the external shape of the nose is also an important aspect; this determines a person's appearance to a large extent. Nasal function can be affected in many ways. For example, due to a cold as it sometimes occurs in everyone, or due to an allergy (hypersensitivity). Disorders in the function of the nose can often be made worse by an abnormal shape of the interior of the nose. The most common is a misalignment of the nasal septum (the septum), which separates the nasal halves. This abnormal shape of the nasal septum is very common and can lead to a wide range of complaints, such as a feeling of constipation, disturbed breathing or headache. This is an explanation for the fact that straightening the nasal septum (the so-called septal correction) is an operation that is common. The aim of this procedure is to improve nasal function. Septoplasty (septum correction) The purpose of the operation The aim of the operation is to correct deviations/crookedness of the nasal septum, so that it is straightened and there is therefore sufficient breathing space in the nose on both sides. The technical aspects of the operation Surgery is performed exclusively in the interior of the nose, so no visible scars are to be expected. During the operation, the cartilage and bone of the nasal septum is exposed through a small incision inside the nose, usually on the right side, a few millimeters past the entrance to the nose. After this, the partition is then straightened, ie protruding parts are removed, curved parts are straightened, etc. Immediate Effects The thus repaired nasal septum is then temporarily held in place by so-called splints inserted into the nose (silicone plates that are placed in the nose on both sides and that allow some breathing through the nose). In this way the septum is supported in the correct position on both sides, so that the mucous membrane, cartilage and bone can grow back together. The splints are removed after about 1 week. The sutures at the incision are removed after 1-2 weeks, if applicable. Late Effects The healing of the nasal mucosa takes several weeks. During this period, treatment with nasal rinses and/or vapors and/or nasal ointments may be applied. In rare cases, problems during healing can cause a misalignment of the septum or cause deformities that could negatively affect nasal breathing. Serious and/or exceptional complications Any surgical procedure, even performed under ideal conditions and in the best possible way, can entail complications. Bleeding is always more or less to be expected, there are of course cases where the doctor will have to intervene extra. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage can occur after both nasal and sinus surgery (although it is extremely rare with septoplasty). If a leak does occur, it is not very noticeable and only becomes apparent late. Confusing in this regard, of course, is that any patient undergoing surgery on the nose or sinuses will always have some watery nasal discharge. If the nasal discharge is profuse or noticeably one-sided, it is best to inform the doctor. Nasal turbinate surgeries (conchaplasty or conchacoagulation) The purpose of the operation Especially the inferior concha (the lower turbinate) is mentioned in this context as it plays the most important role in nasal breathing. The concha media can also be surgically corrected, usually in conjunction with sinus or septal surgery, so that we only focus on the inferior concha here. Most procedures on the inferior concha are intended to reduce this structure and thus improve nasal breathing. The technical aspects of the operation In order of invasiveness we distinguish the RF conchaplasty, the conchacoagulation and the conchaplasty. In the RF conchaplasty, a needle is inserted into the concha (usually under local anaesthetic), which causes a controlled heating of the concha, after which the concha scars and shrinks. In the concha coagulation, this effect is achieved by burning the concha from the surface using electric current. This can be done under local or general anaesthetic. In conchaplasty, part of the conchamucosa is cut away, almost always under general anaesthetic. Many turbinate surgeries are done in conjunction with a septal correction or sinus surgery. Immediate Effects Bleeding is to be expected to a greater or lesser extent if a conchaplasty is performed. this is why a nasal tamponade is sometimes temporarily applied, which can then be removed after 1 or a few days. Late Effects Crust formation at the inferior concha occurs in the first weeks, as long as the mucosa is still in the healing phase. Nasal rinses and/or nasal ointment are usually used for this or nasal drops. Serious and/or exceptional complications There are, apart from the already mentioned bleeding with conchaplasty, no serious or exceptional complications from these operations.

Amandelen en neusamandelen laten verwijderen bij uw kind: waarom, hoe verloopt de ingreep en het herstel nadien. Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. 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. Waarom wordt de ingreep aanbevolen? De amandelen en/of neusamandelen worden verwijderd wanneer ze problemen veroorzaken: herhaalde keelontstekingen, ademhalingsproblemen (snurken, slaapapneu, mondademhaling) door vergrote amandelen, slikproblemen, of oorontstekingen doordat een vergrote neusamandel de buis van Eustachius blokkeert. Hoe verloopt de ingreep? Uw kind moet voorafgaand nuchter zijn (de arts geeft aan vanaf wanneer). De ingreep gebeurt onder algehele narcose, via de mond, en duurt 30 tot 60 minuten. Wat kan u verwachten na de ingreep? Uw kind mag dezelfde avond naar huis. Keelpijn na de ingreep is normaal; de arts schrijft hiervoor pijnstillers voor. De voeding is best zacht en bij voorkeur koud. Mogelijke complicaties Complicaties zijn zeldzaam maar mogelijk: nabloeding, infectie, of uitdroging doordat uw kind door de keelpijn minder drinkt (let op tekenen zoals minder plassen en een droge mond). Deze informatie is algemeen van aard; bespreek met uw chirurg welke aspecten voor uw kind specifiek van belang zijn, en meld steeds de algemene gezondheidstoestand, medicatie (vooral bloedverdunners) en eventuele allergische reacties. De narcose wordt best vooraf met de anesthesist besproken.

Antwoorden op de meest gestelde vragen over een afspraak maken, betaling, terugbetaling en bereikbaarheid bij Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. Frequently Asked Questions How do I make an appointment? You can book your appointment online via this link . It is possible to book an appointment by telephone. No appointment- or patient-related questions will be answered by email. Can I pay using Bancontact? Yes, payments are preferably made with bancontact / Payconiq . Will my health insurance cover the costs of my consultation? The rate of a consultation is always following the conventioned rate. Apart from the patient contribution, all costs are therefore covered by your Belgian health insurance. Is a referral by a GP necessary? An initial assessment by the GP is useful and is recommended but not necessary . Accessible by public transport? Yes, bus line 90 (Lier-Mortsel-Berchem Station) has a stop right in front of the door. Stop Lier Zevenbergen. Can I park my car? Yes, you can park your car in the driveway of the clinic. Bicycle parking spaces are also provided. What am I taking with me? Identity card or Kids-ID and possibly codes of performed scans.

Heesheid, keelpijn of een brok in de keel? Lees meer over oorzaken, symptomen en behandeling van LPR. Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. 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.

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Overzicht van klachten en ingrepen die Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier behandelt: sinuschirurgie, amandelen, schildklier, gehoorbuisjes en meer. Info Parotis / oorspeekselklier Read more about parotid salivary gland procedures - parotidectomy Thyroid Read more about thyroid surgery - thyroidectomy Parathyroid gland Read more about parathyroid surgery - parathyroidectomy Directe laryngoscopie Read more about vocal cord or larynx procedures - direct laryngoscopy Submandibular salivary gland Read more about submandibular salivary gland procedures Thyroglossal cyst Read more about thyroglossal cyst surgery Pediatric interventions placing diabolos or tubes Adenotonsillectomy - removal of tonsils and polyps (in children) Additional information regarding Tonsillectomy - removal of the tonsils Post-operative guidelines after tonsillectomy / tonsil removal Sinus surgery Septoplasty - correction of the nasal septum Conchaplasty - surgery of the nasal conchae Ear surgeries Preoperative questionnaire General information about hospitalization

Richtlijnen voor thuis na het verwijderen van de amandelen bij uw kind: voeding en wanneer contact opnemen. Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. Guidelines after tonsil removal The tonsils are large lumps at the back of the throat. If all is well, the almonds are useful. They then act as a sort of filter for the incoming microbes. Sometimes the tonsils are not able to sufficiently destroy the germs. The germs then accumulate in the tonsils, causing them to become inflamed. The tonsils then become thick and painful. This may be accompanied by a fever and feeling sick. Surgery may then be necessary. Surgery is also necessary if the tonsils are too large and cause breathing difficulties. Home Day of surgery: drink cold water (with ice). eat yogurt, pudding, sorbet or ice cream First day after surgery: thick cold liquid food. (ice cream, porridge, yogurt, lukewarm puree and plenty to drink) Second day after surgery: soft white bread without crusts, lukewarm pureed food. Then gradually eat and drink normally. If your child vomits brown, old blood once, this is not serious. If, on the other hand, he/she vomits clear, red blood, or if he/she continues to vomit, you should contact the pediatric ward or the attending physician. After the procedure, it is best for your child to stay at home for five days to a week. The first week NONE : too hot food citrus fruits or banana sparkling drinks sharp nutrients (chips, fries, ...) If you have any questions, you can always contact the pediatric ward or your doctor.

Een thyreoglossuscyste in de hals laten verwijderen via de Sistrunk-procedure: oorzaak, verloop en herstel. Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. 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. Wanneer is een operatie nodig? Bij ontsteking van de cyste, bij groei met klachten zoals slik- of ademhalingsproblemen, of wanneer de cyste cosmetisch stoort. Wat is het doel van de operatie? De cyste volledig verwijderen en herval voorkomen. Hoe verloopt de ingreep (Sistrunk-procedure)? Onder algehele narcose maakt de chirurg een kleine incisie in een huidplooi van de hals om het litteken te beperken, en maakt de cyste los van het omliggende weefsel. Om herval te voorkomen wordt ook een deel van het tongbeen verwijderd, samen met het weefsel tussen cyste en tongbasis — dit heet de Sistrunk-procedure. De ingreep duurt gemiddeld 1 tot 2 uur. The immediate consequences The wound area usually experiences swelling for a few weeks. There may be post-operative bleeding from the wound. This usually occurs shortly after the operation. Sometimes it is necessary to find the bleeding site again under anesthesia and to cauterize the bleeding vessel. After the operation, a crooked face may occur 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 late consequences There may be a collection of saliva visible at the bottom of the wound, which may need to be punctured. After a few months, Frey's syndrome may develop. Redness and perspiration of the skin of the surgical area will occur during eating. Serious and/or late complications Every surgical procedure, even in ideal circumstances and performed in the best possible way, can have complications. Permanent failure of the facial nerve can occur but is extremely rare. Phlegm or abscess formation in the neck area is rare. All these risks must be weighed against complications that can occur if surgical treatment is not resorted to.

Endoscopische sinusoperatie bij hardnekkige sinusitis: doel van de ingreep, verloop en mogelijke gevolgen. Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. regarding endoscopic operations for inflammatory sinus conditions Introduction The sinuses or paranasal sinuses are located in the facial skull and are connected to the nasal passages. A distinction is made between the anterior (frontal), mandibular (maxillary), ethmoid (ethmoidal) and sphenoidal (sphenoidal) sinuses. In the case of inflammatory conditions of the sinuses (sinusitis) it may be necessary to surgically treat one, several or all sinuses, the ethmoidal sinus usually plays a central role in this. 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). The purpose of the operation The main goal of the surgery is to create a good connection between the sinuses and the nasal passages. For this purpose, certain bone or mucous membrane structures in the nasal or sinus cavities are removed, sometimes it is also necessary to remove polyps that have arisen as a result of the chronic inflammation. In most cases, your doctor will not decide on surgery until drug treatment proves insufficient to cure your sinusitis. Even after surgery, however, at least temporary treatment with medication is usually also required, and it is also not absolutely certain – even after surgery – that the sinusitis will be completely controlled. The technical aspects of the operation The operation is performed along the nostrils, whereby the surgeon uses optical instruments – possibly video equipment. So there is no need for an external incision in the face. To minimize blood loss and optimize visibility, the surgeon uses medication that is placed in the nose (Adrenaline, Nafazoline, Cocaine). The boundaries of the sinuses are formed by the cranial cavities and meninges, as well as by the eye sockets. At the end of the procedure it is usually not necessary to place a bandage in the nasal passages. An intravenous line will remain in the arm until you can and may drink normally again after surgery. Immediate Effects Nasal congestion, crusting in the nose, and loss of mucus and blood from the nose are normal. Eye tears or mild headaches are also possible. Additional or ongoing infection of the nose is possible. Each of these effects can be controlled or prevented with medication. Late Effects Healing after endoscopic sinus surgery is usually slow. Scabs and deformities are avoided by regular nasal rinses and topical care in the nose. Serious and/or exceptional complications Any surgical procedure, even performed under ideal conditions and in the best possible way, can entail complications. A bruise in the eye socket may necessitate urgent reoperation. Loss of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose is a complication that usually results from variations in sinus anatomy and may also require reoperation. Finally, there is a very small risk of damage to the optic nerve resulting in blindness, damage to the muscles of the eye or the lacrimal ducts. Massive, life-threatening nosebleeds are very rare, if they occur they usually happen during or within the first 24 hours after surgery. The degree of difficulty of an endoscopic sinus surgery depends, among other things, on the severity of the sinusitis, on any previous sinus surgery and on the extent of surgery required, so that the risk is not the same in all cases. In addition, these risks must be weighed against the complications that can occur if the sinusitis is not treated or only treated with medication.

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Informatie over ooroperaties zoals trommelvliesherstel, gehoorbeentjes, otosclerose en cholesteatoom. Van Haesendonck NKO in Lier. Information on ear operations Introduction The purpose of this information is to inform you about the course of this procedure, we ask you to do so read the document carefully. Your surgeon is at your disposal to answer any further questions you may have. 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. 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. Questions regarding the general anaesthetic – if applicable – are best discussed in advance with the physician-anaesthetist. Before going into the technical aspects and purpose of the procedure, it is useful to explain how the ear works. Sound consists of air vibrations. These vibrations come through the ear canal to the eardrum. The eardrum and the ossicles amplify and conduct the vibrations to the cochlea. The cochlea contains the sensory (nerve) cells, which convert the vibrations into nerve impulses. These nerve impulses are carried via the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are translated into “hearing”. Under normal circumstances, the middle ear is filled with air, which has the same pressure and composition as outside air. The Eustachian tube allows for exchange so that the air pressure in front of and behind the eardrum is the same. The ear can be roughly divided into: the external auditory canal; the eardrum with the middle ear behind it. It contains three ossicles, which together form the ossicle chain: the malleus (malleus), the anvil (incus) and the stirrup (stapes). The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx via the Eustachian tube. the actual organ of hearing, also called the cochlea or inner ear. Schematic ear with: ear canal eardrum hammer anvil stirrup middle ear vestibular system Eustachian tube snail shell vestibular nerve facial nerve auditory nerve Hearing loss can be due to an inner ear loss (sensorineural hearing loss) or a conductive hearing loss (transmission loss). Sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to the nerve part. With a conduction loss, there is insufficient transmission of sound from the ear canal to the cochlea. The cause of the hearing loss is usually in the middle ear. For example, due to permanent damage to the eardrum or the ossicles after an ear infection. In this section only those operations where conduction loss is present are discussed. Purpose of the procedure If there is hearing loss due to a defect in the middle ear, surgery can usually improve hearing. This is the case with a hole (perforation) in the eardrum, or with an interruption or fixation of the ossicles. Sometimes, in addition to the hearing loss, there is a chronic inflammation in the middle ear (cholesteatoma) and the aim of the surgery is initially to heal the ear of the inflammation . The surgeon will also try to restore hearing as well as possible in that situation, but depending on the seriousness of the situation, this is not always possible. Your doctor will discuss this with you beforehand. The technical aspects of the operation Tympanoplasty (repair of the eardrum) This operation is performed to close a hole in the eardrum. Your own tissue or an allograft (donor) eardrum can be used for this. Own tissue can be fascia, this is the thin membrane that surrounds a muscle behind the ear or cartilage tissue originating from the pinna. The procedure can be done through the external auditory canal or through an incision behind the ear. After the procedure, a bandage is placed in the ear consisting of synthetic sponges in ear ointment and a bandage behind the ear in case of incision and stitches. A large bandage is placed around the head during the first 24 hours after the procedure. The bandage in the ear remains in place for seven days. Ossiculoplasty (repair ossicles) When there is hearing loss due to reduced sound transmission via the ossicles, this may be due to an interruption of the ossicles (after inflammation) or by a fixation (otosclerosis or tympanosclerosis). Fixation by otosclerosis is discussed in a separate chapter. The procedure is usually performed through the external auditory canal, whereby the eardrum is detached and lifted. The repair can be done with your own tissue, plastic or donor material. Your doctor will discuss this with you in advance, depending on the situation. The goal is to improve hearing. This procedure can also be combined with the repair of the eardrum. A bandage is placed in the ear consisting of synthetic sponges in ear ointment. The bandage remains in place for several days. Otosclerosis Otosclerosis is a progressive disease that slowly makes a person hard of hearing. The hearing loss can occur in one or both ears in otosclerosis. The cause is an abnormal overgrowth of the bone, causing a progressive fixation of the stapes. By sticking the stirrup, there is a less good transfer of the sound vibrations and a conduction loss occurs. The process can also occur in the cochlea, causing sensorineural hearing loss. When there is mainly a conduction loss, surgery can improve hearing. The procedure is performed along the external auditory canal, lifting the eardrum. The stirrup is partially replaced by a plastic leg. After the procedure, a bandage is placed in the ear canal, consisting of sponges in ear ointment. The bandage remains in place for several days. cholesteatoma A cholesteatoma is a chronic inflammatory process in which skin grows through the eardrum into the middle ear and forms a cyst. This cyst has a destructive effect due to its growth character and can affect the ossicles, the vestibular system, the facial nerve and even grow into the inner ear. Hence the importance of a surgical procedure to remove the cyst. Sometimes multiple operations may even be required to remove the cholesteatoma permanently. During the procedure, an incision is always made behind the ear. The mastoid cavity (air-containing cells behind the ear) is drilled open in this way to allow complete removal of the cyst. The aim of the operation is initially to remediate the ear and to free it from the chronic inflammatory process. In the second instance, the surgeon will try to restore hearing, but depending on the situation, this will not always be possible. The surgeon will discuss this with you in advance as well as possible. After the procedure, a bandage is placed in the ear consisting of sponges in ear ointment. There are stitches behind the ear. A large bandage is placed around the head for the first 24 hours. The stitches and bandage in the ear are removed after one week. The immediate consequences You may experience mild pain after ear surgery. If there is a large bandage, this can cause pressure and tension. This feeling of pressure disappears when the bandage is will be removed. You may take painkillers if necessary. The sensitivity of the pinna may be reduced; there may be a temporary numbness that disappears after a few weeks or months. Temporary dizziness may occur after ear surgery, as the ear and balance organs are close together. Report this to your doctor. Temporary taste disturbances may occur. There may be a slight temperature increase in the first 24 hours after the procedure. There may be some bloody fluid from the ear canal for the first few days; this is normal. If one of the sponges falls out of the ear canal, don't worry; DO NOT try to put it back in. Your hearing will not improve for the first few days, given the presence of the bandage. A popping sound and ringing in the ears after the procedure is normal. The belated consequences If the aim of the surgery is to improve your hearing, such as with a tympanoplasty, a ossiculoplasty or otosclerosis, this will only be assessed a few weeks after the procedure. It healing process happens rather slowly and progressively. You will have to apply local care in the form of ear ointment or ear drops every day for the first weeks after the procedure. Serious and/or exceptional complications. Any surgical procedure, even performed under ideal conditions and in the best possible manner, can entail complications. All these risks must be weighed up against the benefits that can normally be expected from an intervention, and it must not be forgotten that “not intervene” can sometimes also have serious consequences. You should report any sudden onset or worsening dizziness or pain to your doctor. Heavy or bad smelling ear canal or fluid from the wound behind the ear is rare, but you should report it to your doctor. Likewise, the occurrence of facial paralysis.

Dr. Jan Van Haesendonck is KNO-arts in Lier voor neus-, keel- en oorklachten. Opgeleid aan de Universiteit Antwerpen en UZA. Maak online een afspraak. dr. Jan Van Haesendonck Make an appointment Graduated as a doctor from the University of Antwerp. Afterwards specialization in ear-, nose- and throat (ENT) diseases at the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). Diagnosis and treatment of: Nasal congestion, nosebleed, runny nose, loss of smell and taste Functional Rhinoplasty / Septoplasty Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) Tonsils and polyps Voice and swallowing disorders Neck surgery Salivary Gland Disorders Sleep disorders and snoring Hearing loss Dizziness and balance disorders Correction of protruding ears Hearing aid advice Chronic otitis, otosclerosis, cholesteatoma BAHA / PONTO surgery Also working in AZ Sint Maarten.