Paediatric ENT Surgery

In children, problems with the tonsils, adenoids and middle ear are often linked. Enlarged adenoids can cause a blocked nose and fluid build-up in the middle ear, while large tonsils can lead to snoring and disturbed sleep. That is why the nose, throat and ears are assessed together at the consultation; if needed, operations are carried out together under a single anaesthetic.

Signs parents should look out for

• Many episodes of tonsillitis in a year
• Sleeping with the mouth open, snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep
• A constantly blocked nose and a nasal-sounding voice
• Responding late to sounds, watching television at a high volume
• Delayed speech or frequent ear infections
• Poor appetite, daytime tiredness and difficulty concentrating

Treatments in this group

• Tonsillectomy: for frequently recurring or chronic tonsillitis and breathing problems during sleep; takes about 30 minutes, and most children go home the same day.
• Adenoidectomy: for nasal blockage, snoring and ear problems that do not respond to medicine; takes about 20 minutes, and most children recover within 2–3 days.
• Middle ear infection and grommets: for fluid in the middle ear that lasts longer than three months and affects hearing or speech.
• Otoplasty (prominent ear correction): usually planned before school age, from the age of 5–6.

How is the decision to operate made?

In children, the decision to operate is not based only on the size of the tonsils or adenoids. How often infections occur, the response to medical treatment, sleep and breathing problems, hearing and speech development, and the effect on growth are all assessed together. In many children, medical treatment and monitoring come first.

How does the process work with Prof. Dr. Öner Çelik?

Consultations take place at the clinic in Suadiye; if needed, a hearing test and tympanometry are planned as part of the same process. Operations are performed at Maltepe University Hospital under anaesthesia conditions suited to children, and most children go home the same day. Details are on the your treatment in Istanbul page.