Ear, nose, and throat surgery

Abstract

Chapter 35 provides an overview of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery. The most common presentations encountered in ENT surgery are summarized including acute tonsillitis and quinsy, otitis externa, head and neck cancer, and airway emergencies. A more detailed description of the clinical presentation of common diseases encountered in ENT clinics is provided covering otitis externa, lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy, nasal fractures, acute otitis media, neck lumps, and vertigo. The roles of investigations used to support diagnosis in ENT including audiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging are described. The presentation and management of acute presentations in ENT seen in emergency departments including epistaxis, acute peritonsillar abscess, airway emergencies, periorbital cellulitis, including airway assessment are described. An overview of commonly performed ENT operations is provided including tonsillectomy, grommet insertion, thyroidectomy, neck dissection, and tracheostomy. An approach to clinical skills in ENT (including common OSCE stations in exams) is described, including history taking, examination of neck lumps, thyroid exam, and ear examination. Clinical tests of hearing are presented and their interpretation described.