Overview

ENT surgery, also known as otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

These areas play a vital role in breathing, hearing, speech, balance, and facial function.

When medical or non-surgical treatment is not sufficient, surgical management may be considered to restore or improve function.

The Role of ENT Surgery

ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgery encompasses several subspecialties, including:

• Nasal and sinus surgery – to improve airflow, drainage, or structural balance.
• Ear surgery – to manage hearing loss, infections, or structural deformities.
• Throat and airway surgery – to treat sleep-related breathing disorders or chronic infections.
• Head and neck surgery – to manage conditions involving glands, lymph nodes, or soft tissue structures.
• Facial reconstructive surgery – to restore structure or function after injury or illness.

Each procedure is carefully planned according to the patient’s anatomy, symptoms, and underlying diagnosis.

ENT Surgery in Sydney

At Dr Shahidi’s Sydney practice, ENT services include assessment and treatment for both adults and children.

Surgical procedures are performed in accredited hospitals or day-surgery facilities and may be recommended when non-surgical management has not achieved adequate improvement.

Common ENT Procedures

Ear Surgery

• Otoplasty:  Surgery that repositions or reshapes the outer ear to correct prominence or deformity.
• Grommet insertion:  A small tube placed in the eardrum to allow fluid drainage and reduce ear infections.
• Cochlear implant:  A surgically implanted electronic device that can provide sound perception in selected patients with significant hearing loss, when clinically indicated.

Nose and Sinus Surgery

• Rhinoplasty:  Surgery to change nasal structure for functional or reconstructive purposes, such as improving airflow or correcting deformity after injury.
• Septoplasty:  Correction of a deviated nasal septum to restore nasal symmetry and improve breathing.
• Turbinoplasty:  Reduction of enlarged nasal turbinates to improve airflow and manage chronic nasal obstruction.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery:  Minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope to open blocked sinus passages and improve drainage.
• Nasal reconstruction:  Performed to restore the shape and function of the nose following trauma or previous surgery.

Throat and Airway Surgery

• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy:  Removal of tonsils or adenoids that cause recurrent infection or airway obstruction.
• Palate surgery:  Surgery to correct abnormalities of the soft or hard palate that affect breathing, swallowing, or speech.
• Sleep disorder surgery:  Procedures that address anatomical factors contributing to obstructive sleep apnoea or severe snoring, when conservative treatment has not succeeded.

Paediatric ENT Surgery

Children may require ENT evaluation for conditions such as recurrent ear infections, enlarged adenoids, or airway obstruction.

Common paediatric procedures include:

• Adenotonsillectomy for repeated tonsillitis or breathing obstruction.
• Grommet insertion for persistent middle-ear fluid.
• Otoplasty for prominent ears, usually performed after the ear cartilage has sufficiently developed.

All paediatric procedures are undertaken with special attention to safety, comfort, and developmental needs.

Consultation and Planning

Before recommending any ENT procedure, your surgeon will:

1. Conduct a detailed medical history and examination.
2. Review imaging or test results if required.
3. Discuss all treatment options, including non-surgical management.
4. Explain the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of surgery.
5. Provide written information to support informed decision-making.

All procedures are planned individually, considering each patient’s anatomy, condition, and general health.

Risks and Recovery

As with any surgery, ENT procedures carry potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, or anaesthetic complications.

The specific risks depend on the type of procedure and the patient’s health.

Your surgeon will discuss these risks and outline post-operative care instructions.

Recovery times vary.

Minor procedures may require only a few days of rest, while more complex surgeries, such as reconstructive or sinus operations, may need several weeks for healing.

Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

Choosing a Qualified ENT Surgeon

In Australia, ENT (Otolaryngology–Head and Neck) surgeons complete extensive specialist training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

Only doctors who have achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) may lawfully use the title surgeon.

When considering ENT surgery, patients are encouraged to:

• Confirm their surgeon’s AHPRA registration and FRACS qualification.
• Ensure surgery is performed in an accredited hospital or day-surgery facility.
• Obtain a full explanation of risks, recovery expectations, and alternatives before giving written consent.

About Dr Shahidi

Dr Shahram Shahidi

BSC(MED)(HON I) MB BS(SYD) FRACS FAAFPS

MED0001167352

Specialist Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat) – Head and Neck Surgeon

Fellow, Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr Shahidi is an Australian-trained, FRACS-qualified ENT surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in nasal, sinus, and facial procedures.

He provides comprehensive assessments and treatment options for patients with conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat.

Disclaimer:

All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. Individual results vary.

Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.