Otorhinolaryngologic Surgery Concepts

Otorhinolaryngologic Surgery Key Concepts

• Cerumen: The wax produced in the ear canal, serving as a protective barrier.
• Myringotomy: A surgical procedure creating an opening in the tympanic membrane (TM) to relieve pressure or fluid.
• Cochlea: Not an ossicle; the three ossicles are malleus, incus, and stapes.
• Cholesteatoma Impact: Can damage the seventh cranial nerve (facial nerve), causing complications.
• Sinus Cavities: Establishing methods include Walters, Caldwell, lateral, and submental approaches.
• Tonsil Tissue: Palatine tonsils are lymphoid tissues crucial for immune response.
• Pharyngeal Tonsils: Also known as adenoids; they atrophy with age and are located at the back of the nasal cavity.
• Tracheotomy: A surgical procedure that requires a spreader and hook for breathing access.
• TMJ Decompression: Performed in the lateral jaw area to alleviate temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
• UPPP: A surgical procedure addressing sleep apnea, involving resection of soft tissue in the throat.
• Steno’s Duct: The parotid duct where salivary stones can form.
• Jansen-Middleton Forceps: Double action cupped forceps used for nasal septum resection.
• Topical Cocaine (4%): Utilized for anesthesia in nasal surgeries.
• Antostomy Rasp: Instruments used for procedures involving facial sinuses.
• Laryngeal Cartilage: Composed of individual, elastic structures; the thyroid cartilage is notably recognized as the Adam's apple.
• Tracheotomy Sites: Commonly performed in intensive care, emergency, or post-anesthesia recovery environments.
• Takahashi Forceps: A long, thin tipped hand forceps used in nasal procedures.
• Equilibrium and CN VIII: The eighth cranial nerve carries information regarding balance to the cerebral cortex.
• Stapedectomy: A procedure requiring a microscope due to the delicate nature of the ear structures.
• Micro Ear Instruments: Should be cleaned intraoperatively with a micro-wipe sponge to maintain sterility.
• Suction Instruments: Baron, Frazier, and House are employed for suctioning during otologic procedures.
• Nitrous Oxide Risks: Can expand in the middle ear, contraindicated during tympanic surgeries.
• Temporalis Fascia: The most commonly used autograft in otologic procedures for repairing tympanic membrane.
• Polysomnography: The diagnostic study used for diagnosing sleep apnea by monitoring sleep patterns.
• Mastoidectomy: Surgery performed for the excision of cholesteatoma, often related to chronic ear infections.
• Depth Gauge: An instrument used for measuring the distance from the incus to the stape footplate.
• Rosen Instruments: Common name for various instruments including knives, needles, picks, and suction devices in otologic surgery.
• Inner Ear Labyrinth: Does not include the sphenoid sinus among its compartments.
• SMR Instrument Tray: Contains items like Ballenger swivel knife, Cottle elevator, and Takahashi forceps used in submucosal resections.
• Joseph Retractor: A handheld retractor found in nasal trays, available in single or double-tip forms.
• ENT Specialist: Otorhinolaryngologist is commonly referred to as an ENT specialist, focusing on ear, nose, and throat issues.
• Argon Laser: Used in procedures involving the stapes and operations in the middle ear.
• Rotary Action Drill: Commonly utilized mechanical action in otologic procedures for bone removal.
• Tympanic Membrane Function: Separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound.
• Pars Tensa: The largest, fibrous part of the tympanic membrane where drainage tubes are commonly inserted.
• PE Tubes: Pressure equalizing tubes placed in myringotomy procedures for chronic ear infections (otitis media).
• Mastoiditis Risks: Acute infection following otitis media that can lead to serious complications like meningitis.
• Pneumatic Drill Safety: Important safety step includes putting the handpiece on safety while changing burrs.
• Otosclerosis: Condition characterized by bony overgrowth of the stapes, leading to hearing loss.
• Epistaxis: Refers to an acute nosebleed, often requiring medical intervention.
• CT Scan Diagnosis: Best method for differentiating between soft tissue and bony structures in sinus conditions.
• Surgical Positioning: A scapular or shoulder roll may be used to tilt the head for better exposure during oropharynx procedures.
• Deviated Septum: A condition where the nasal septum is misaligned, causing breathing obstruction, especially in older patients.
• Septal Procedure Assistance: Surgical technologists may assist by lightly tapping a chisel with a mallet.
• Turbinates: Also called conchae, these are bony projections located inside the nose.
• Turbinectomy Methods: Variants include different techniques, but percutaneous methods are not used in turbinectomy.
• Soft Palate Location: Situated posterior and inferior to the nasal cavity.
• Nasal Polyps Cause: Most commonly associated with allergic rhinitis, leading to nasal obstruction.
• Ethmoid Sinuses: Numerous, small sinuses located near the bridge of the nose between the eyes.
• Frontal Sinuses: The most superior paranasal sinuses which can be singular or divided.
• FESS Procedure: Requires specialized equipment such as 4mm or 5mm lenses and navigation systems for guidance.
• Davis and McIvor: Names associated with mouth gag instruments, used to maintain access within the oral cavity.
• Fisher Knife: A curved serrated knife specifically designed for tonsil surgeries.
• Audiography: Diagnostic method to assess damage to the sound conduction system, assisting in treatment decisions.
• Electronystagmography: A method using cool and warm water in the ear canal to evaluate balance function.
• Oval Window: Membranous opening in the cochlea that receives vibrations from the stapes, initiating the hearing process.
• Organ of Corti: A structure within the cochlea composed of hair cells that transduce sound vibrations into neural signals.
• Morcellation: The process of cutting tissue into smaller pieces for extraction through a small incision.