Welcome to Greenslopes ENT - Services we provide
Out Patient Services
 Ear microinspection and cleaning:
- In the rooms we have the facility to examine the external ear and ear drum with the assistance of a microscope
- This procedure can be useful to treat infections of the outer ear or clear impacted wax
Flexible Nasendoscopy:
- This procedure enables a clear view of the structures of the upper part of the airway (nasal cavity, larynx and pharynx)
- It is performed comfortably with the use of a local anaesthetic spray
Hearing Tests/Audiology:
- We also have the facility of an audiologist who does hearing tests in our rooms twice a week. Queensland Hearing Aids and Audiological Services provide these services.
- This is to give you the convenience of being able to have your consultation with Dr Wallwork and your hearing test on the same day.
In Patient Services
Sinus and Nasal surgery
What are the Sinuses?
The paranasal sinuses are a group of air-filled cavities within the facial skeleton and skull. They are lined by the same type of tissue as the nasal cavity and lower airways. The sinuses drain via narrow pathways into the nasal cavity. Obstruction to these drainage pathways can lead to infection and inflammation within the sinuses (chronic rhinosinusitis).
What is the Nasal Septum?
The nasal septum is the structure which divides your nasal cavity into two halves. It is composed of bone and cartilage. It may become deviated following trauma to the nose or may simply grow in a crooked fashion. When deviated it tents to narrow the nasal airway and cause obstruction.
What are the Turbinates?
The turbinates are structures on the side walls of the nasal cavity that act to warm and humidify inspired air. When they are enlarged they narrow the nasal cavity and produce nasal obstruction.
 Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
How is the procedure done?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is surgery aimed at addressing infection and inflammation of the sinuses. The underlying principle is to re-establish normal ventilation and drainage of the sinuses whilst maximally preserving healthy tissues and function. This differs from older sinus surgery techniques that tended to be more ‘destructive’ and less physiological. The surgery is performed with the use of cameras (endoscopes) that are placed into the nasal cavity. In the vast majority of cases the entire procedure can be performed without the use of any external incisions. Endoscopic surgical techniques are also very effective at removing swollen nasal tissue (nasal polyps). In some cases the structure, which divides the nasal cavity into 2 halves (the nasal septum) needs to be straightened (septoplasty) as part of the sinus surgery in order to gain access to the sinus drainage pathways.
How long will I stay in hospital?
The surgery can be performed as a day case or as an overnight case. You will be advised pre-operatively as to what the length of your stay will be.
Is it painful?
Sinus surgery is not painful surgery and most patients experience little in the way of pain post-operatively. There is usually some feeling of congestion and discomfort but this is usually well controlled with the use of simple painkillers.
How will I feel?
Your nose will feel quite blocked after the surgery. This will gradually settle over a period of weeks. It is normal to have some bloody discharge from the nose in the first few days. The nasal irrigation and gently blowing your nose will help this.
When can I return to work?
Most patients return to work approximately 1 week following the surgery.
Septoplasty & Turbinate Reduction
How is the Procedure done?
The surgery is performed without any external incisions on the nose or face. The entire operation is performed within the nasal cavity with the assistance of an endoscope. Deviated portions of the septum are removed whilst preserving the normal structures. The turbinates are reduced in size without being completely removed in order to preserve their important natural function. Some sutures are placed on the inside of the nasal cavity. These are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
How long will I stay in hospital?
The surgery can be performed as a day case or as an overnight case. You will be advised pre-operatively as to what the length of your stay will be.
Is it painful?
Nasal surgery is not painful surgery and most patients experience little in the way of pain post-operatively. There is usually some feeling of congestion and discomfort but this is usually well controlled with the use of simple painkillers.
How will I feel?
Your nose will feel quite blocked after the surgery. This will gradually settle over a period of weeks. It is normal to have some bloody discharge from the nose in the first few days. The nasal irrigation and gently blowing your nose will help this.
When can I return to work?
Most patients return to work approximately 1 week following the surgery.
Paediatric Surgery
Grommets
What is a Grommet?
A grommet (Ventilation Tube) is a small tube, which is inserted after a small cut (Myringotomy) is made in the eardrum. Grommets allow air to pass from the ear canal into the middle ear and help to equalize the pressure on each side of the eardrum. They usually stay in for 6-12 months and fall out on their own.
How is the procedure done?
You will be asleep under general anaesthesia. Using a microscope a small incision (Myringotomy) is made in the eardrum and the grommet is inserted.
How long will I be in hospital?
The operation takes approximately 20 minutes. After this you or your child will be taken to the recovery room. You will be required to stay for approximately 2 hours following the surgery.
When can I return to work/school?
You will need to arrange 1 -2 days of work or school.
Ear care after the procedure:
It is important to keep the ears dry while the grommets are in.
Blu-Tac or ear plugs (available from the Chemist) should be used whenever you or your child are having a bath/shower or washing your hair. Blu-Tac should be rubbed between the fingers to soften it before use.
Swimming
No swimming is allowed for 3 weeks or as advised. After 3 weeks, Blu-Tac or ear plugs should be used with a bathing cap.
Points to Remember:
- Oozing from the ears is common and may last 2-3 days.
- Ears must be kept dry.
- Do not insert foreign bodies e.g. cotton buds into the ear.
Tonsils and Adenoids
What are the tonsils and adenoids?
Tonsils:
The tonsils are situated in the throat, one on each side. They are part of the lymph system and help fight infection when you are a young child. After the age of about two years, the tonsils become less important in fighting infection and usually shrink. Your body can still fight infection without them. The two most common reasons for removing the tonsils are:
- Recurrent Infection (Tonsillitis)
- Tonsils enlargement causing snoring and breathing difficulties while sleeping (sleep aponea)
Adenoids:
The adenoids are made up of the same type of tissue as the tonsils and serve the same purpose. They are situated in the back of the nose and therefore lie above the level of the tonsils. They usually decrease in size during childhood. If enlarged they can cause blockage of breathing through the nose and increased rates of ear infections and ‘glue ear’.
How is the operation done?
You will be asleep under general anaesthesia. We take the tonsils and/or adenoids out through the mouth, and then stop the bleeding. This takes about 30 minutes. A patient who has had a tonsillectomy will then be taken to a recovery area to be watched carefully as he or she wakes up from the anaesthetic.
How long will I be in hospital?
Patients who have had their tonsils and adenoids removed usually stay in hospital for one night. You will be reviewed the morning after the surgery and allowed home when you are eating and drinking and feel well enough.
When can I return to work/school?
Adults and children will need 10 to 14 days off work or school. Make sure you rest at home away from crowds and smoky places. Keep away from people with coughs and colds. You may feel tired for the first few days.
What to expect after the procedure:
Your throat will be sore for approximately two weeks after the surgery. Some patients report that the pain is greatest 5-7 days post-operatively. Your throat will look white in the area where the tonsils have been removed - this is normal while your throat heals.
You may have sore ears. This is normal - it happens because your throat and ears have the same nerve supply. It does not mean that you have an ear infection.
Some people get a throat infection after surgery, usually if they have not been eating properly. If this happens you may notice a fever and a bad smell from your throat. Call Dr Wallwork’s rooms or your GP or for advice if this happens. Antibiotics may be helpful in this circumstance but are not usually necessary.
A small minority of patients will get some bleeding from their throat or nose after the surgery. This can occur up to 2 weeks post-operatively. A small amount of blood-stained saliva secretions is relatively common and is generally not a concern. Fresh bleeding or vomiting of blood however can occur and if it does you should call Dr Wallwork’s rooms or present to the nearest hospital.
To help control the pain:
- Take painkillers regularly for at least the first week as instructed. Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable before taking medication. What you are prescribed depends on your history and allergies but will usually be a combination of paracetamol and codeine. Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Nurofen) are possibly associated with a higher rate of bleeding and therefore should only be used if the pain is not adequately controlled with the other medication. Do not take aspirin as it does increase the rate of bleeding.
- It is very important to eat as normally as possible as it will help your throat to heal. It will help the pain too. Drink plenty of fluids and stick to bland non-spicy food.
- Chewing gum may also help the pain.
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