Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor
New Perspectives in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: From Classification Analysis to Breakthroughs in Precision Therapy
Introduction to Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer encompasses a group of malignancies arising in the head and neck region, including cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, sinuses, and, in some classifications, thyroid cancer. Symptoms vary widely and may include non-healing oral ulcers, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, red/white patches on oral mucosa, or neck masses.
Most cases are linked to tobacco or alcohol use, with emerging risks from e-cigarettes. HPV infection is increasingly associated with these cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cases. Other risk factors include betel nut chewing, radiation exposure, malnutrition, and occupational exposure to carcinogens. Over 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Diagnosis involves biopsy, imaging, and blood tests to assess disease progression.
Preventive measures include abstaining from tobacco/alcohol, regular dental check-ups, and HPV vaccination. Treatments combine surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Early-stage cancers have high cure rates, but approximately 50% of patients present with advanced-stage disease.
Classification of Head and Neck Cancer
Malignancies in the head and neck region include:
- Oral cancers: Tongue, buccal mucosa, gingiva, and lip cancers.
- Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers: Tumors of the vocal cords, larynx, and hypopharynx.
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), prevalent in Asian populations.
- Oropharyngeal cancer: Includes tonsillar and base-of-tongue cancers, increasingly linked to HPV.
- Salivary gland cancers: Parotid, submandibular gland tumors.
- Thyroid cancer: Included in some classifications.
- Nasal and sinus tumors: Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, etc.
The WHO 5th edition classification introduces dedicated sections for familial tumor syndromes (e.g., Gorlin syndrome, Cowden syndrome) and soft tissue tumors.
According to Hong Kong Cancer data (2010–2020), head and neck cancer incidence rose by 25% in Hong Kong. In China, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for over 90% of cases:
- HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: Represents >70% of cases in Western countries; China reports 25%–37% HPV positivity, rising annually.
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Endemic in southern China, linked to EBV, contributing to >40% of global cases.
- Key risk factors: Smoking, alcohol, betel nut chewing, HPV/EBV infection.
Latest Advances in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Immunotherapy
- PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are now first-line treatments for recurrent/metastatic cases, improving 2-year survival rates to >50%.
- Combination therapies: Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy or targeted drugs enhances efficacy.
Precision Radiotherapy and Surgical Innovations
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): Reduces damage to healthy tissues, ideal for early-stage patients.
- Transoral robotic surgery (TORS): Used for early oropharyngeal cancer, offering precise resection with functional preservation (though long-term quality of life may slightly lag behind radiotherapy).
- Endoscopic surgery: For recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, improves survival by 17.8% compared to re-irradiation, with fewer side effects.
Targeted Therapy
- EGFR inhibitors: Cetuximab for advanced-stage patients.
- Anti-angiogenic drugs: Inhibit tumor blood vessel formation.
Molecular Testing-Guided Treatment
- HPV/p16 testing, PD-L1 expression analysis, and EBV detection inform personalized treatment strategies.
For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for specialized care.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
ocal Cord Cancer: When the Voice Becomes Hoarse, Be Alert to This Early Sign
Case Study
“Mr. Jia, 56 years old, experienced breathing difficulties and hoarseness for two years, with symptoms worsening recently. Upon seeking medical help, a laryngoscopy revealed a cauliflower-like growth on his left vocal cord. A PET-CT scan showed abnormally high metabolic activity, leading to a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord. This case highlights the importance of timely medical evaluation for persistent hoarseness to rule out malignancy.”
What is Vocal Cord Cancer?
Vocal cord cancer is a malignant tumor affecting the vocal cords—key structures for sound production. It accounts for over 60% of laryngeal cancers. The majority (96%–98%) are squamous cell carcinomas. Early-stage tumors are often localized but highly invasive, potentially destroying laryngeal cartilage or spreading to neck lymph nodes.
Common Symptoms and Risks
- Hoarseness:The most typical early symptom. Seek evaluation if it persists beyond two weeks.
- Throat discomfort:Sensation of a foreign object, pain, coughing, or difficulty swallowing. Late stages may involve blood in sputum or coughing up blood.
- Breathing difficulties:Tumor obstruction of the airway can become life-threatening.
- Spread risk:Early tumors are localized, but advanced stages may invade surrounding tissues, damage laryngeal function, spread to neck lymph nodes, or metastasize to distant organs (e.g., lungs, liver), complicating treatment.
Causes of Vocal Cord Cancer
- Smoking and alcohol:Smokers face a 10-fold higher risk. Combined with alcohol, the risk escalates.
- HPV infection:Some cases are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Environmental factors:Long-term exposure to industrial dust, air pollution, or occupational carcinogens.
- Demographics:Most common in males aged 50–70.
Diagnostic Methods
- Laryngoscopy:Fiber-optic laryngoscopy detects mucosal abnormalities. Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) enhances early detection.
- CT/MRI:Assesses tumor extent and cartilage involvement.
- PET-CT:Detects distant metastasis and aids staging.
- Biopsy:Confirms cancer type via tissue analysis.
Treatment Options
Surgery
- Laser minimally invasive surgery:For early-stage tumors. Preserves function but may affect voice.
- Partial laryngectomy:Preserves partial laryngeal function for localized tumors.
- Total laryngectomy:Required for advanced/recurrent cases. Requires a tracheostomy.
Radiation Therapy
- Advantages:Preserves vocal function; suitable for elderly or comorbid patients.
- Drawbacks:May cause throat pain, swallowing difficulties.
Combined Therapies
- Radiation + Chemotherapy:Shrinks tumors pre-surgery in advanced cases.
- Targeted + Immunotherapy:Emerging treatments targeting genetic mutations or boosting immune response.
Early detection and treatment are critical. If you experience prolonged hoarseness, seek immediate medical attention. High-risk individuals should undergo regular screenings. For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for expert consultation.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Hypopharyngeal Cancer: The Silent Throat Killer – Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs of Swallowing
Case Study
“Mr. Kang, a 58-year-old with a long-term smoking and alcohol consumption history, recently experienced persistent sore throat, dysphagia, and hoarseness. After examination via endoscopy, he was diagnosed with Stage III Hypopharyngeal Cancer (mid-to-late stage). Mr. Kang underwent tumor resection surgery followed by radiotherapy and is currently under observation, requiring regular check-ups to monitor recurrence.”
What is Hypopharyngeal Cancer?
Hypopharyngeal cancer originates in the hypopharynx (the area connecting the throat to the esophagus) and is a type of head and neck cancer. Due to its隐蔽位置 (hidden location), early detection is challenging. Approximately 70% of patients, like Mr. Kang, are diagnosed only after the cancer has metastasized to cervical lymph nodes or distant organs (e.g., lungs, bones, liver). Consequently, treatment outcomes are often poor.
Common Symptoms and Complications
Early symptoms are subtle, but the following signs warrant vigilance:
- Typical symptoms: Sore throat, dysphagia, hoarseness, neck mass, ear pain (referred pain).
- Long-term complications: Tumors may obstruct the airway or esophagus, leading to malnutrition or breathing difficulties. Metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs significantly complicates treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Primary risk factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing (a major trigger in regions where betel nut use is prevalent).
- Other factors: Chronic irritation from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diets lacking fresh fruits/vegetables, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- Genetics and environment: Family history or prolonged exposure to asbestos/chemical dust increases risk.
Diagnosis and Tests
- Endoscopy: Flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy to visualize lesions.
- Imaging: CT/MRI scans to assess tumor extent and metastasis.
- Biopsy: Tissue sampling to confirm cancer type.
- Systemic evaluation: PET-CT scans to detect distant metastasis.
Treatment Options
- Early-stage (I/II): Radiotherapy ± localized surgery.
- Advanced-stage (III/IV): Multidisciplinary approach (e.g., tumor resection with lymph node dissection, followed by adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy).
- Targeted & immunotherapy: Anti-EGFR agents (e.g., Cetuximab) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Pembrolizumab) for late-stage cases.
- Supportive care: Nasogastric tube placement, speech therapy to improve quality of life during recovery.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking/alcohol and early detection are crucial in combating hypopharyngeal cancer. Individuals with smoking/drinking habits experiencing persistent throat discomfort should seek prompt medical evaluation. For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for specialized care.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Minimally Invasive Salivary Gland Endoscopic Surgery: Say Goodbye to Pain and Scars, Protect Your “Salivary Health”
Case Study:
“Mr. Chao, a 40-year-old patient, experienced recurrent swelling and pain in his left submandibular gland after meals for over two years. The worsening symptoms eventually impacted his work and daily life, prompting him to seek medical help. Examination revealed redness and swelling at the opening of the left submandibular gland duct, with pus discharge upon gentle pressure. Ultrasound confirmed a 1.5cm × 0.8cm stone within the duct, diagnosed as a salivary gland stone. The stone was successfully removed using minimally invasive salivary gland endoscopic surgery, resolving his symptoms.”
What is Minimally Invasive Salivary Gland Endoscopic Surgery?
This technique employs endoscopic technology to diagnose and treat salivary gland diseases. A thin endoscope with a micro-camera is inserted into the salivary duct, allowing direct visualization of the duct’s interior. Advantages include minimal trauma, reduced pain, rapid recovery, negligible scarring, and preservation of salivary function. It effectively treats ductal stones, strictures, infections, and inflammation.
Who Needs This Surgery?
The procedure is suitable for patients with:
- Salivary stones: Recurrent swelling (e.g., in adolescents) treated by stone extraction, avoiding gland removal.
- Duct strictures: Caused by trauma or infection; the endoscope can dilate the duct and place stents.
- Chronic parotitis: Traditional treatments are limited; endoscopic duct irrigation removes infections.
- Salivary leakage: Post-traumatic saliva leakage repaired via precise duct restoration.
Ideal candidates include those with benign conditions (stones, strictures, chronic inflammation), children, elderly patients unfit for traditional surgery, and individuals prioritizing aesthetics. Contraindications include malignant tumors, acute infections, or coagulation disorders.
Procedure Overview:
- Preparation: Local or general anesthesia, followed by lesion localization.
- Stone Removal: A tiny incision (0.8–2.6 mm) in the mouth or behind the ear allows endoscope insertion. Micro-baskets extract small stones, while larger stones undergo laser lithotripsy before removal.
- Duct Dilation: Balloon dilation or silicone stents prevent recurrence.
- Irrigation and Drainage: Infected secretions are flushed to alleviate inflammation.
- Postoperative Care: Most patients discharge the same day with oral painkillers and follow-ups.
Five Key Advantages:
- High Success Rate: 80–90% stone clearance; >70% stricture relief.
- Scarless: Incisions hidden in the mouth or behind the ear.
- Preserved Salivary Function: Avoids dry mouth or taste abnormalities post-surgery.
- Low Complication Risk: Minimal bleeding/infection; safer for children and elderly.
- Rapid Recovery: Most resume eating and daily activities immediately.
Technological Advances:
- Single-Port Non-Insufflation Endoscopy: Reduces trauma with one incision.
- Robot-Assisted Systems: Tested in Japan/Europe for complex cases, enhancing precision.
- Pediatric Applications: Over 90% of children experience no recurrence or developmental issues post-surgery.
For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre . Our specialists provide detailed consultations (Tel: 3100 0555).
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
The Unique Advantages and Benefits of Proton Therapy in the Treatment of Pediatric Head and Neck Cancers
In the previous article “Proton Therapy: Ushering in a New Era of Precision Cancer Treatment!”, we introduced the principles, advantages, applications, and future directions of proton therapy in cancer treatment. This article will focus specifically on the benefits of proton therapy for pediatric head and neck cancer patients.
Case Study:
“Xiao Yong, an 8-year-old boy, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck region, a rare and aggressive pediatric malignant soft tissue tumor with a high recurrence rate. Due to the tumor’s proximity to critical blood vessels and nerves in the neck, surgical resection was challenging and posed significant risks to the child’s growth and development. Therefore, doctors recommended a comprehensive treatment plan combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Given the tumor’s location and the need to protect healthy tissues, proton therapy was chosen as the primary radiation modality. Xiao Yong underwent a 6-week proton therapy course. During treatment, he experienced no significant pain or discomfort. Post-treatment imaging showed significant tumor shrinkage with no new lesions detected. His neck function and appearance remained unaffected, and his quality of life was well-maintained.”
Xiao Yong’s case highlights the unique advantages of proton therapy in pediatric head and neck cancer treatment. Its precision and low side-effect profile enable effective tumor control while maximally protecting healthy tissues and organs, reducing long-term impacts on growth and development. Additionally, proton therapy allowed Xiao Yong to maintain a better quality of life during and after treatment. This case underscores the critical value of proton therapy in pediatric oncology, particularly for tumors in complex anatomical locations.
What Are the Specific Benefits of Proton Therapy for Pediatric Cancers?
Proton therapy offers several key benefits for pediatric cancer patients:
Minimized Damage to Developing Tissues
Children’s developing tissues and organs are more sensitive to radiation. Conventional radiation therapy may cause long-term developmental issues, but proton therapy leverages the Bragg Peak effect to concentrate radiation energy on the tumor, significantly reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Reduced Risk of Secondary Cancers
Children undergoing conventional radiation face a higher risk of secondary cancers due to radiation-induced genetic mutations in healthy cells. Proton therapy lowers this risk, enhancing long-term health outcomes.
Protection of Critical Organs
For brain tumors, conventional radiation can damage organs like the brain, eyes, and cochlea, impairing cognition, vision, or hearing. Proton therapy reduces such complications.
Preserved Quality of Life
Proton therapy’s milder side effects allow children to maintain normal daily activities and schooling during treatment, alleviating physical and psychological burdens.
Applicability to Diverse Pediatric Cancers
Proton therapy is effective for various pediatric cancers, including head and neck tumors, brain tumors, spinal tumors, retinoblastoma, and neuroblastoma.
Reduced Impact on Reproductive Systems
For prepubescent children, conventional radiation may harm reproductive organs. Proton therapy minimizes radiation dose to these systems, lowering future fertility risks.
Long-Term Follow-Up Feasibility
Proton therapy’s low toxicity enables safer long-term monitoring, allowing physicians to track health outcomes without concerns about treatment-related complications.
Synergy in Multimodal Treatment
Proton therapy integrates seamlessly with surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. For pediatric patients, such comprehensive approaches enhance efficacy while reducing overall treatment burden.
Conclusion
Proton therapy demonstrates remarkable advantages in pediatric cancer care, offering enhanced protection of healthy tissues, reduced long-term complications, and improved quality of life. These benefits ensure better long-term health outcomes for children. To learn more, please contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre (Tel: 3100 0555).
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Proton Therapy: Ushering in a New Era of Precision Cancer Treatment!
In the long journey of cancer treatment, radiation therapy has always been an indispensable tool. However, traditional radiation techniques like X-ray therapy, while effective at damaging tumor cells, allow radiation energy to penetrate beyond the tumor, harming surrounding healthy tissues and leading to complications and side effects. With continuous advancements in medical technology, proton therapy has emerged as a cutting-edge radiation treatment, offering renewed hope to cancer patients through its exceptional precision and safety.
What is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is a type of particle beam therapy. By utilizing the unique physical properties of protons, it precisely calculates the depth and intensity of the proton beam to concentrate radiation energy within the tumor. The proton beam releases its maximum energy at the end of its range, forming a phenomenon known as the “Bragg Peak.” This ensures that radiation energy is delivered to destroy cancer cells and then dissipates immediately, sparing healthy tissues from damage. This approach maximizes protection of normal tissues and reduces the risk of complications and side effects associated with conventional radiation therapy.
Advantages and Limitations of Proton Therapy
The advantages of proton therapy lie not only in its high precision but also in its ability to preserve patients’ quality of life. Compared to traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy carries lower risks of both short- and long-term side effects, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines during and after treatment. Additionally, proton therapy causes less harm to developing tissues, making it particularly suitable for pediatric cancer patients and effectively lowering their risk of secondary cancers later in life. For tumors sensitive to traditional radiation, such as brain tumors and breast cancer, proton therapy has demonstrated enhanced safety and efficacy.
Which Cancers Are Suitable for Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy has broad applicability, covering various cancer types including brain cancer, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and more. It offers a safer and more precise radiation treatment option for both adult and pediatric patients. However, proton therapy is not suitable for all cancer cases (e.g., metastasized cancers). Physicians evaluate individual patient conditions to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. Furthermore, proton therapy can be combined with other treatments—such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy—to form integrated treatment plans, further improving outcomes.
Key Value and Future Directions of Proton Therapy
The proton therapy procedure is non-invasive and painless. During treatment, a specialized medical team uses positioning tools and supports to ensure patient stability, guaranteeing precision. Most treatment courses last several weeks, with sessions conducted five times per week, allowing patients to continue their daily lives. Despite its high safety and precision, proton therapy remains relatively costly, and accessibility is still limited globally. However, with ongoing technological advancements and broader adoption, proton therapy is expected to become more accessible and effective in the future.
In our next article, we will specifically explore the benefits of proton therapy for pediatric head and neck cancer patients.
For any ear, nose, or throat concerns, please contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre immediately. Our ENT specialists will provide detailed consultation and treatment (Tel: 3100 0555).
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Minimally Invasive Tympanoplasty: An Expert Overview by Dr. Chow Chun-Kuen
Minimally Invasive Tympanoplasty: An Expert Overview by Dr. Chow Chun-kuen
The following content is excerpted from an interview with Hong Kong ENT specialist, Dr. Chow Chun-Kuen, explaining the principles and benefits of minimally invasive tympanoplasty.
Various conditions can lead to tympanic membrane (eardrum) damage, such as excessive force during ear cleaning or chronic otitis media. If not properly managed, these issues may result in eardrum perforation and potential hearing loss. Traditional eardrum repair procedures are often highly invasive and entail prolonged recovery times. However, a more straightforward minimally invasive tympanoplasty is now available; patients can undergo this procedure under local anesthesia and be discharged on the same day. Remarkably, even those with decades-old eardrum damage can experience significant auditory improvements post-surgery.
Eardrum perforations can cause symptoms like pus discharge from the ear, tinnitus (hearing noise), and inexplicable nasal airflow during exhalation—symptoms many patients tend to neglect. In 1999, Dr. Chow pioneered a simplified technique for eardrum repair using a minimally invasive approach through the outer ear canal to harvest a small section of muscle membrane for repairing the damaged eardrum.
Procedure Duration Approximately 45 Minutes
Patients undergo local anesthesia for this procedure which takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The incision is minimal and located within the inner ear without requiring sutures as it naturally heals within two days post-operation—a stark contrast to conventional methods that involve making incisions behind the ear up to five centimeters long needing ten to twenty stitches along with general anesthesia and hospitalization for at least two days.
A Case Study
Mr. Cheung, who served in an executive role, encountered severe bilateral middle-ear infection due to polluted water exposure while swimming years ago coupled with improper use of over-the-counter ear drops causing both his eardrums’ rupture. After undergoing traditional surgery on his left ear twenty-five years ago where he recovered successfully; three years prior faced recurrent infections affecting his right ear leading him difficulty concentrating at work compounded by strenuous efforts needed for listening exacerbating fatigue levels significantly until opting for this advanced surgical method has progressively restored his hearing capacities encompassing perceiving stereo sounds too.
Absence of Adverse Reactions
Accordingly noted by Dr. Chow majority seek tympanoplastic owing chronic otitis media progressing acute states involving pus generation alongside occasional accidental puncture treatment inadequacy reaches beyond normal self-healing approximately spanning few months necessitating operative intervention promptly warned ignoring latent risks deepening untreated paths possibly culminating continuous vertigo episodes thus progressive deterioration optionally avoidable through prompt procedural recourses ensuring preserving optimized auditory functions future devoid adverse postoperative implications whatsoever additional constraints comprising extensive miniaturized perforations width narrowness preclude eligibility newer operant techniques deployed herein.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Patient’s Experience with Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube
Eustachian tube dysfunction seriously affects the hearing of patients. Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube is currently a widely respected treatment method. What are its advantages? What are the comments between doctors and patients?
This article is an interview with patients and doctors on this surgery with citations for your reference.
Doctor : The tube dysfunction is a problem that can affect the entire population. I think at some point everyone has experienced tube dysfunction as part of an infection and can therefore judge how it impairs upon both hearing and general well-being.
Patient : I constantly had ear pressure issues. I felt that I couldn’t hear conversations properly. My personal impression was that my hearing had greatly deteriorated. In my job, I have to take care of a lot of people, and that was no longer possible. It was also not possible for me to balance the pressure in my ears on an aeroplane. That was particularly awful for me. In larger groups, I felt that I was no longer able to process what was going on around me or follow conversations in a restaurant, for example.
Doctor : Balloon tube dilation has been available for a few years. In this context, a small balloon is inserted via the nose into the tube ostium and then the tube.
Patient : The ENT doctor found out that I had a ventilation problem in the tube. It turned out to be chronic otitis. I was recommended to have a ventilation tube inserted, which was then carried out in the ENT practice. The ventilation tube failed to bring the desired results. The complaints did not go away and I could still hear very little.
Doctor : We have been performing tube dilation for a good year. We treated our first patient in September 2013 and have been able to help a large number of people using this method since then. During the operation, the catheter is placed in the tube via the nose and dilation is carried out at 10 bar pressure for 2 minutes. In our clinic, we perform tube dilation in patients who suffer from chronic middle ear diseases and have developed hearing loss, hoping to eliminate these symptoms and avoid ear surgery.
Patient : In the ENT clinic, Professor suggested expanding the tube with a balloon.
Doctor : The operation itself always takes place under general anaesthetic. Tube dilation is a low-risk procedure that may provoke bleeding in the nasal mucosa, but this can be resolved very easily. There are no serious risks to expect.
Patient : I was able to leave the clinic 24 hours after the operation, without pain, freed of my problems. I was able to resume work immediately.
Doctor : The follow-up inspection is carried out regularly at six to eight weeks. Post-operatively, patients are instructed to safeguard tube ventilation by performing the Valsalva maneuver 20 to 30 times daily. In the Valsalva maneuver, the patient tries to inflate the tube opening by building up pressure in the nasopharynx and thus forcing air into the middle ear areas. It looks like this. I seal my nose and with my mouth closed I increase the pressure until it arrives in the middle ear. This is easy for a person who does not have a tube dysfunction, but for people with chronic tube dysfunction it is sometimes impossible.
Patient : The clinic recommended that I use the Valsalva method Valsalva, which I perform several times a day, so I always ensure that the tube is open.
Doctor : It varies from patient to patient as to how quickly success is achieved. We have some patients where tube ventilation is immediately restored after surgery and who report that they can hear better on the day of the operation.
Patient : For me it was a total improvement in my quality of life. After the procedure I felt that I had been given a completely new quality of life with which I am very satisfied.
Doctor : We often get the feedback that the patients are happier again, more optimistic and not so caught up in their ear problem.
Patient : The surgery took place a year ago. I am still satisfied and free of all complaints.
Doctor : This form of treatment has become well established in adults in recent years. In the future, I think it will probably also be extended to children who also suffer from chronic tube dysfunction. I can imagine that children too will benefit greatly from tube dilation in the future.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our ENT posts.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
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