Ear, Nose, and Throat Services in Manhattan, NYC

Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery provides the latest in ENT treatment and head and neck surgery for adults and children, including the following:

pH monitoring and esophageal manometry

We are pleased to introduce you to our Esophageal Testing Center.  The center is run by Maria Zamora who has been a clinical assistant for 15 years and was trained by one of the world’s top laryngologists to perform the PH/Manometry procedure.

Esophagus tests measure muscle pressure and movement, coordination, and strength of the tube that connects the throat to the stomach (esophagus). It tests how well the ring of muscles (sphincters) at the top and bottom of the esophagus work.

The most common esophagus tests include:

pH monitoring (esophageal acidity test), which measures the acid content (pH) in the esophagus. A low pH for long periods indicates frequent abnormal backflow (reflux) of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD).

Esophageal manometry, which measures the strength and pattern of muscle contractions in the esophagus. This test can detect:

Weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows acid to reflux into the esophagus.

Weak muscle contractions during swallowing that slow the rate at which food or stomach acid is cleared from the esophagus.

Abnormally strong contractions (spasms) that can cause chest pain or the sensation that food is stuck after swallowing (dysphagia).

Why It Is Done

Tests on the esophagus are done to:

  • Help determine whether chest pains may be caused by GERD.
  • Help determine the cause of GERD symptoms for people who have not been helped by treatment, who have unusual symptoms, or whose esophagus looks normal during an endoscopy test.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for GERD.
  • Detect spasms of the esophagus, which can cause chest pain, and problems with the ability of the esophagus to move food down to the stomach (motility problems).
  • Determine whether the esophagus is functioning normally.

The purpose of the testing is to diagnose the cause of acid reflux, the severity of the reflux and when patients reflux during the day.  This will better allow for proper treatment and follow up appointments with your Gastroenterologist if necessary.  This also allows us to treat your symptoms appropriately.

Endoscopic sinus surgery (video-guided)

endoscopic-sinus-surgery.
Sinus surgery widens the sinus openings and allows the removal of mucus or diseased tissue for patients who suffer frequent sinus infections. The procedure can be performed endoscopically, using a thin fiberoptic tube (an endoscope) inserted through the nostrils. This minimally invasive technique lets patients enjoy a shorter recovery time and less post-operative pain. In addition, real-time video imaging guides the surgeon inside the nose and sinuses.

top of page

Septoplasty

The septum is a structure made of bone and cartilage that spans the nasal cavity from the nostrils to the back of the throat. In many people the septum has a slight bend, making one side of the nasal cavity smaller than the other. In some cases, the deviation is significant enough to cause problems, including congestion, sinusitis and rhinosinusitis, nosebleeds, and breathing difficulties.

Surgery to straighten the septum may be recommended if non-surgical methods such as nose sprays and decongestants don’t relieve symptoms.

Septoplasty re-shapes the cartilage and bone of the septum to improve air flow through the nose. It may be combined with cosmetic improvements to the nose (in which case it is called septorhinoplasty). Full enjoyment of results from septoplasty are usually experienced within a week or two when swelling is reduced and splints or packing are removed.

top of page

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, or removal of the tonsils, is one of the most common throat operations. The tonsils are masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat. They work with the adenoids and immune system early in life to defend the body against invading bacteria and viruses.

Sometimes the tonsils become infected, abscessed or enlarged, leading to any of a variety of symptoms including sore throat, fever, ear infections, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Surgery is recommended when more conservative treatments such as antibiotics or steroids fail to relieve symptoms, or when patients have frequent infections or difficulty breathing. There are a variety of methods used, including traditional surgery, microcautery and radiofrequency ablation. Tonsillectomy may be performed with local or general anesthesia.

top of page

Adenoidectomy

Like the tonsils, the adenoids are masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat that help the body fight invading bacteria and viruses. Also like the tonsils, the adenoids are prone to infection and enlargement. This can lead to sore throat, ear infections, stuffy nose, and breathing and swallowing problems.

If antibiotics or steroids fail to resolve the problem, the adenoids may be removed in a procedure called adenoidectomy. It can be performed with local or general anesthesia.

top of page

Myringotomy with tube insertion

myringotomy.Myringotomy is the most frequently performed ear operation and the second-most common surgical procedure in children younger than two. It is performed to drain fluid from the ear, restore lost hearing, relieve pain and prevent infections.

During a myringotomy, an opening is made in the eardrum to drain excess fluid. The surgeon may then insert a tube that will remain in place for a few months. After surgery, drainage should stop and the hole in the eardrum should heal on its own. However, a small percentage of patients require a second procedure.