If You Need An Operation
List of operations commonly performed
-
Tympanoplasty/Myringoplasty for ear drum retractions and perforations
-
Ossiculoplasty for middle ear hearing reconstruction using microscopic titanium prostheses and other techniques
-
Stapedectomy / Stapedotomy / Stapes surgery for otosclerosis
-
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid implant insertion (BAHA)
-
Myringotomy & Grommet insertion
(All of the above can be performed under sedation and local anaesthetic if required)
-
Cochlear Implantation (with devices from all major manufacturers)
-
Bone Conduction implants including Med-el Bonebridge & Cochlear OSIA
-
Middle ear implants including Vibrant Soundbridge
-
Tympanomastoidectomy/ Combined approach Tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma
-
Mastoid obliteration for previously operated ears with longstanding discharge
-
Blind Sac closure
-
Meatoplasty
-
Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty
-
Adenoidectomy
-
Removal of foreign body external ear
-
Pre-auricular sinus excision
-
As well as other procedures dependent on the individual’s needs
A highlight of my service is routinely offering middle ear surgeries under local anaesthetic and sedation. This includes stapedectomy, tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty and BAHA. This method of anaesthesia is very well tolerated by the vast majority of patients and allows a quicker recovery, the ability to test and monitor hearing during surgery, and I believe fewer complications.
I will provide you with detailed information on the benefits and potential complications of any operation. You may wish to download ENT UK’s nationally published patient information leaflets for different operations at https://www.entuk.org/patient-information-leaflets
I offer the full range of auditory implant surgeries available for hearing rehabilitation. Please be aware that some insurance companies may exclude the cost of the actual implant and/or processor from their cover. Please check with your insurance provider regarding this.
When it comes to surgery, I like to maintain a proactive yet sensible and safe approach. If the risks are considered carefully, and a surgery has the potential to make a significant difference to your health and quality of life, I will be pleased to do that for you. I regularly witness how much surgery for hearing improvement can have a huge impact on overall health and life, if undertaken by someone who regularly performs these kinds of procedures. Equally, if there is a safe and acceptable way of managing your problem with medical treatment or monitoring then I will always discuss this option.
After consultation if we decide that an operation is needed, I will explain the procedure in detail including all the intended benefits and surgical risks. The next step is to sort out a location and date that fits all parties. This involves your schedule, my schedule, hospital availability and anaesthetist availability.
At this stage you should also re-confirm your cover for surgery with your insurance company by providing them the procedure codes I give to you. As with consultations, I am approved with all the major insurers for surgery. Certain insurance companies will allow surgery at all the hospitals, whilst others have restrictions. Please check with your insurer in advance to ensure there are no excesses to pay.
If you are self-funding, a total quote can be given to you once we choose the location and anaesthetist, both of whom charge separate fees in addition to my surgeon’s fees. The hospital’s bookings team will ‘host’ your case and different hospitals have different charges and different levels of equipment for particular procedures, typically payable in advance. I will discuss the different options available with you along with my recommendations.
Once everything is confirmed, the hospital’s bookings team will be able to provide you with a date, time, location and any pre-operative instructions required prior to your surgery.
After Your Operation
I will discuss all your post-operative instructions for recovery with you, individual to your case. This includes questions such as when you can get your ear wet, when and how you can travel, when you can do exercise, how much time you need off work and what signs and symptoms you would need to call me about.
Almost all of my patients having ear surgery are able to go home the same day.
If your operation involves a head bandage, this can usually be taken off at home the next day.
Some operations involve placing packing in the ear canal which stays for 2-3 weeks. I will arrange an appointment for you to have this removed. If you need to use ear drops after surgery these will be prescribed for you.