ENT Specialist for Adults
Septal surgery or Septoplasty
A deviated nasal septum my cause nasal obstruction when it physically narrows the nasal airway. The septum can be straightened with a septoplasty, however in some patients with severe deviations a septorhinoplasty will allow for a more comprehensive correction of the deviation
Turbinate surgery
The nasal turbinates hang in to the nasal cavity and when enlarged may contribute to nasal obstruction. Turbinates are frequently trimmed alone or at the time of septal surgery to maximise the improvement in the nasal airway.
Snoring surgery
Snoring occurs due to a narrowing or collapse of your airway. This can occur at multiple levels in the upper airway. In the nose this may be due to any problem that causes nasal obstruction, such as those listed above. A large redundant palate and bulky tonsils can also contribute to snoring. The tongue can also exacerbate these problems particularly if it is collapsing backwards and blocking the airway during sleep. Dr Cleland will make a multi-level assessment of your airway to determine if surgery will benefit you.
Sinus surgery
This is most frequently performed in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Most patients have usually trialled a host of saline and steroid sprays and when this has proven to be ineffective, it is reasonable to consider surgical options. Sinus surgery is performed through the nostrils with an endoscope (video camera) and does not require external excisions in most cases. Dr Cleland has a PhD in Sinus surgery and has a special interest in the nasal microbiome and other novel treatments such as probiotics.
ENT Specialist for nasal valve surgery
Each individual has an internal and external nasal valve. These valves represent normal narrowings which occur the nasal cavity and their contribution to airway obstruction are frequently underestimated. The function of the nasal valve areas can be compromised by traumatic changes to the shape of the nose, previous surgery or even simply by the cumulative effects of ageing where increased laxity in the tissues of the nose leads to collapse. These areas can usually be corrected surgically either through a formal rhinoplasty type procedure which aims to improve the structure of the nose or through other minimally invasive techniques. ENT specialist Dr Cleland will assess your nose to determine if nasal valve compromise is contributing to your blocked nose.
Correcting traumatic nasal deformities
Fractured noses are a common problem. These fractures are usually corrected by manipulating the nasal bones back into normal alignment whilst the patient is under anaesthesia. If this is not performed early after the incident and the bones have reset a corrective rhinoplasty may required to restore the normal appearance of this nose. Trauma can also affect the internal structures of the nose such as the septum in which case the two procedures are combined (septorhinoplasty).
If you are suffering from any of the above conditions,
ask your GP for a referral to see ENT specialist Dr Cleland.