Procedures in Clinic

Flexible nasoendoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to see inside the nose and throat using a small, flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is equipped with a tiny camera and a light at its tip, which transmits detailed images to a monitor. This procedure helps doctors diagnose issues like persistent nasal congestion, sinus infections, or throat problems by providing a clear view of the nasal passages and the back of the throat. It’s a useful tool for examining areas that are otherwise hard to reach and visualize.

During the procedure, the doctor gently inserts the endoscope through the nostril and carefully guides it into the nasal passages and throat. Because the endoscope is thin and flexible, it can easily navigate through the curves and bends of the nasal passages, providing a clear view of the internal structures. The process is usually quick and performed in a doctor's office or clinic. Most patients feel only minor discomfort, such as a slight pressure or a tickling sensation, and can return to their normal activities right after the procedure. This technique helps doctors diagnose and manage conditions effectively without the need for more invasive procedures.

Aural toilet is a medical procedure used to clean out the ear canal and remove any debris, wax, or discharge that may be causing problems. The ear canal can sometimes become clogged with earwax or other substances, leading to discomfort, reduced hearing, or even infections. During the aural toilet, a doctor or healthcare professional uses special tools and techniques to gently clean the ear canal and clear away any blockages.

The procedure is typically done in a doctor's office or clinic and is generally quick and straightforward. The healthcare provider may use instruments like a curette, suction device, or irrigation with a gentle stream of water to remove the debris. Most patients experience only minor discomfort, such as a feeling of pressure or slight tickling in the ear. After the procedure, patients usually notice an improvement in their hearing and overall comfort. Regular aural toilet can help maintain ear health and prevent issues related to excessive earwax or other blockages.

A punch biopsy is a medical procedure used to take a small sample of skin or other tissue for examination. This is done to diagnose skin conditions, such as rashes, growths, or suspected cancers. During the procedure, the doctor uses a small, round tool called a punch to remove a small, cylindrical piece of tissue from the affected area. This tool works like a cookie cutter, cutting through the skin to get a sample of the deeper layers. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is examined under a microscope to check for any abnormalities or diseases.

The punch biopsy is usually done with a local anaesthetic, so the area being sampled is numbed and the patient feels minimal discomfort. The procedure is quick and typically takes only a few minutes. After the biopsy, the area may be covered with a bandage, and there might be some mild swelling or redness, but these symptoms usually go away within a few days. Most people can return to their regular activities shortly after the procedure, and the results from the lab help doctors determine the right treatment or next steps.

Cauterization for nosebleeds is a medical procedure used to stop persistent or frequent bleeding from the nose by sealing the blood vessels that are causing the problem. Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, often occur when tiny blood vessels in the nasal lining break due to dryness, allergies, infections, or injury. If the bleeding is severe or keeps coming back, cauterization can be an effective solution. The procedure uses electricity or a special chemical to burn and seal the broken blood vessels, which helps stop the bleeding and prevent it from happening again.

During cauterization, a healthcare provider usually numbs the inside of the nose with a topical or local anaesthetic, so the patient feels little or no pain. Then, they apply a small stick with a chemical (like silver nitrate) or use a diathermy tool to gently burn the affected area, closing off the blood vessels. The procedure is quick, usually taking just a few minutes, and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Afterward, there might be some mild discomfort or crusting in the nose, but this typically heals within a few days. Most patients experience significant relief from their nosebleeds following cauterization and can return to normal activities soon after.

Surgery for small mouth tumours or cysts involves removing abnormal growths or fluid-filled sacs from the inside of the mouth. These tumours or cysts can develop on the gums, tongue, cheeks, or the roof of the mouth. While many of these growths are benign (non-cancerous), they can still cause discomfort, difficulty eating, or other issues, so removing them can help improve oral health and function. The surgery typically involves a minor procedure where the surgeon carefully removes the tumour or cyst, often using local anaesthesia to numb the area so the patient doesn’t feel any pain.

The procedure is usually quick, and patients can often go home the same day. Recovery is generally straightforward, with most people experiencing only mild discomfort and being able to return to normal activities within a few days. The surgeon will send the removed tissue to a lab to ensure that it is benign and to check for any other concerns. In most cases, surgery for small mouth tumours or cysts is very effective, and the chances of the growths returning are low, especially if they were completely removed during the procedure.

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure used to examine a lump or abnormal area in the body, such as a thyroid nodule or neck lump. It involves using an ultrasound machine to guide a thin, hollow needle into the exact spot where the lump is located. The needle is used to take a small sample of cells from the lump, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. This helps doctors determine whether the lump is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) without needing a larger, more invasive surgery. During the procedure, the patient usually lies down while an ultrasound specialist applies a gel to the skin and moves a small probe over the area to get real-time images of the lump. The doctor then inserts the needle through the skin and into the lump, using the ultrasound images to ensure accuracy. The procedure is generally quick and minimally uncomfortable, and it can often be done in an outpatient setting. Recovery is usually straightforward, with minimal downtime, and the results from the lab analysis help guide further treatment or monitoring if needed.

Surgery to insert ear grommets, also known as tympanostomy tubes, is a common procedure used to treat persistent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear, especially in children. Grommets are tiny tubes that are placed through the eardrum to help drain fluid and allow air to enter the middle ear. This can relieve pressure, improve hearing, and reduce the frequency of ear infections. The procedure is typically recommended when ear infections are frequent or when fluid in the ear doesn’t clear up on its own, leading to hearing problems or discomfort. The surgery is usually quick and is often done under general anaesthesia, so the patient (usually a child) is asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure. However, this procedure can be done in clinic, in adults, under local anaesthetic.   The surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum to place the grommet, which stays in place for several months. Over time, the grommet usually falls out on its own as the eardrum heals, although sometimes it needs to be removed by a doctor. Recovery from the surgery is typically very fast, with the patient returning to normal activities within a day. Grommets can make a big difference in improving hearing and preventing further ear problems.