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
- Endoscopic sinus surgery (video-guided)
- Septoplasty
- Tonsillectomy
- Adenoidectomy
- Myringotomy with tube insertion
- Audiology Services
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Myringotomy with tube insertion
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ear, Nose & Throat Services at Madison ENT
What ENT services does Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery provide?
Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery provides a comprehensive range of ENT treatments and head and neck surgical services for both adults and children. These include pH monitoring and esophageal manometry, video-guided endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, myringotomy with tube insertion, and full audiology services. Dr. Stacey L. Silvers brings over 25 years of experience to every aspect of ENT care offered at the practice.
What is pH monitoring and esophageal manometry, and why might I need it?
These are two diagnostic tests performed at our Esophageal Testing Center to evaluate how well the esophagus the tube connecting your throat to your stomach is functioning. pH monitoring measures the acid content in the esophagus to identify abnormal acid reflux (GERD), while esophageal manometry measures the strength and pattern of muscle contractions to detect issues such as sphincter weakness, motility problems, or esophageal spasms. Together, these tests help pinpoint the cause, severity, and timing of acid reflux so that treatment can be tailored appropriately and follow-up with a gastroenterologist can be coordinated when needed.
Who performs the esophageal testing at Madison ENT?
The Esophageal Testing Center is run by Maria Zamora, a clinical assistant with 15 years of experience who was trained in the pH/Manometry procedure by one of the world’s top laryngologists. Patients can feel confident they are receiving specialized, expert-level diagnostic testing in a comfortable, familiar setting.
What is endoscopic sinus surgery, and what makes it minimally invasive?
Endoscopic sinus surgery widens blocked sinus openings and removes mucus or diseased tissue in patients who suffer from frequent or chronic sinus infections. Rather than requiring external incisions, the procedure is performed using a thin fiberoptic tube called an endoscope, which is inserted through the nostrils. Real-time video imaging guides the surgeon throughout the procedure, offering precision and safety. Because no external cuts are made, patients typically experience a shorter recovery time and less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional sinus surgery.
What is a septoplasty, and how do I know if I need one?
A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten a deviated septum the wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity. When the septum is significantly misaligned, it can cause chronic nasal congestion, sinusitis, nosebleeds, and difficulty breathing. Surgery is typically recommended only after non-surgical approaches such as nasal sprays and decongestants have failed to provide adequate relief. Most patients begin to enjoy the full benefits of improved airflow within one to two weeks after surgery, once swelling subsides and any splints or packing are removed.
What is a tonsillectomy and when is it recommended?
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat that help the body fight infection early in life. Surgery is recommended when the tonsils become repeatedly infected, enlarged, or abscessed causing symptoms such as chronic sore throat, fever, ear infections, or difficulty swallowing and breathing and when more conservative treatments like antibiotics or steroids have not resolved the problem. Several techniques may be used, including traditional surgery, microcautery, and radiofrequency ablation, and the procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
What is an adenoidectomy, and how is it different from a tonsillectomy?
Like the tonsils, the adenoids are lymph tissue in the back of the throat that help fight infection but they are located higher up, behind the nose. When the adenoids become infected or enlarged, they can cause sore throats, ear infections, nasal stuffiness, and breathing or swallowing difficulties. An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids, and like a tonsillectomy, it is considered when medications have failed to resolve the issue. Both procedures are sometimes performed together depending on the patient’s condition.
What is a myringotomy and who typically needs it?
A myringotomy is one of the most frequently performed ear operations and the second most common surgical procedure in children under two years old. It involves creating a small opening in the eardrum to drain fluid that has built up behind it, which can cause hearing loss, pain, and recurrent ear infections. A small tube may be inserted to keep the opening clear for several months while the ear heals. After the procedure, drainage typically resolves and the eardrum heals on its own, though a small number of patients may need a second procedure.
Does Madison ENT treat both adults and children?
Yes. Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery provides ENT care for patients of all ages. Many of the procedures offered including myringotomy with tube insertion, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and allergy testing are commonly performed in pediatric patients. Dr. Silvers and her team are experienced in making every visit comfortable and reassuring for both children and their families.
How do I schedule an ENT appointment at Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery?
You can book an appointment online through ZocDoc, or if no availability is showing, simply call the office at (212) 213-3339 and the team will get you in within 24 hours. Madison ENT is located at 161 Madison Avenue, Suite 11W, New York, NY 10016, and is open Monday and Friday 9am–5pm and Tuesday through Thursday 8am–6pm.