ENT Adelaide

Ask your GP for a referral to see Dr Edward Cleland

OUR PROCEDURES

ENT for Children

FIND OUT MORE

ENT for Adults

FIND OUT MORE

Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeons, better known as ENT Surgeons, provide medical and surgical treatments for conditions affecting the ears, nose/sinuses, throat, face and neck. From his Adelaide clinic, Dr. Cleland provides treatment to children and adults.

While a general practitioner will often manage some conditions in these areas when they first occur, a referral to an ENT Surgeon is often required to provide a thorough clinical assessment with specialised equipment (e.g. nasopharyngoscope and microscope) to exclude any concerning pathology and formulate a diagnosis. From here various medical and surgical treatment options can be discussed and a comprehensive management plan can be formulated. ENT surgery may be necessary when medical treatments have proven ineffective and a further improvement in symptoms is desired.

Some of the ear nose throat surgery procedures Dr. Cleland offers include the following.

Grommet insertion
Grommets are tiny hollow plastic tubes that are surgically inserted into the eardrum. The goal of grommets is to keep air flowing freely into the middle ear. Grommets are often the recommended course of treatment for patients who have recurrent ear infections or persistent middle ear fluid.

Tonsillectomy
The tonsillectomy removes the tonsils. This surgery is a treatment option for children and adults who have recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy is also often necessary as a treatment option for snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea when the tonsils are partially or completely obstructing the upper airway.

Septal surgery or septoplasty
The septoplasty is the surgical correction of deviated, or crooked, septum. A deviated septum can impact breathing. It can also limited access to the sinuses during sinus surgery and is therefore frequently performed at the same time as this surgical procedure.

Turbinate surgery
Also known as inferior turbinate reduction. This procedure reduces the size of the inferior turbinates which reside in the floor of the nasal cavity. Smaller turbinates allow for improved nasal airflow.

Sinus surgery
Sinus surgery is frequently required for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and other conditions of the sinuses. Nasal polyps are also frequently removed as a part of sinus surgery. Sinus surgery aims to improve the symptoms of sinusitis such as nasal obstruction, discharge, post nasal drip and facial pressure/pain. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS aims to improve the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses to improve health in this area and reduced infection. Sinus surgery also improves the effectiveness of some medications such as saline nasal washes and steroid sprays.

Correcting traumatic nasal deformities
Traumatic nasal deformities can have a marked impact on patient quality of life. Dr. Cleland offers corrective surgery that will address structural, functional and aesthetic concerns.

Nasal valve surgery
This surgery can address an anatomical nasal obstruction caused by the nasal valve. A narrow nasal valve can lead to a decrease in the ability of air to freely pass into the nose. Nasal valve surgery addresses collapse or narrowing of the nasal valve, to improve airflow through the nose.

Snoring surgery
Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors and generally requires a thorough evaluation during your consultation to determine which surgical procedure(s) will best address your symptoms. Snoring surgery may include nasal surgery, palate surgery and surgery to the tongue. When severe snoring may also be associated with obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition which can have long term health implications.

During your consultation, Dr. Cleland will discuss your concerns with you and make recommendations for treatment. Dr. Cleland will take steps to ensure you are comfortable during all stages of your treatment, including preoperative conversations that cover the details of your condition and surgery. By understanding your condition and the treatments which may benefit you will be best placed to make informed decisions regarding your care.

ENT FAQS

WHAT CONCERNS CAN AN ENT TREAT?

ENT surgeons are Head and Neck Surgeons and manage conditions occurring in this area including the ears, nose and throat. Surgical procedures could be straightforward and simple, such as those that treat benign conditions like tonsillitis or sinusitis. They could also be more complex procedures that treat cancer in the neck or face.

WHY DOES MY CHILD SEEM TO GET A LOT OF EAR INFECTIONS?

Ear infections are one of the most frequently treated medical concerns in children under the age of three. Ear infections are usually viral or bacterial, but can also be fungal in some children. Pain occurs when inflammation occurs behind the eardrum. Younger children are more likely to get ear infections because their eustachian tubes are still developing. This makes them much more prone to blockages and swelling and which prevents the middle ear from functioning normally. Grommet insertion can help to reduce the frequency of ear infections or drain persistent fluid behind the eardrum.

ARE FREQUENT SINUS INFECTIONS NORMAL?

Sinusitis or rhinosinusitis is one of the most common chronic ENT conditions managed. It occurs when the interior lining of the nose and sinuses becomes swollen and inflamed. This can then lead to nasal obstruction or infection. It can also result in sinus pain and pressure, nasal congestion and continuous discharge. If sinusitis is a concern for you and medical treatment has been proven ineffective, surgical intervention may be the next best option.

WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA?

Often indicated by loud and frequent snoring or silent pauses in breathing during sleep, obstructive sleep apnoea is a serious condition which can be destructive to your health. Apnoea (temporary pause in breathing) episodes can last for several seconds and may occur multiple times each night. Sleep apnoea prevents restorative sleep and lead to irritability, fatigue and problems concentrating. Sleep apnoea is an important health issue and can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart failure.

WILL I NEED TO STAY OVERNIGHT IN HOSPITAL?

Minor and routine ENT surgeries, like grommet insertion typically do not require an overnight stay. Some nasal surgeries are also performed as a day case. More complex ENT procedures may require an overnight stay in an Adelaide hospital for observation. Dr Cleland will explain the complexities of your surgery to you so that you know what to expect.