Dr. Robichaud performs a wide variety of pediatric otolaryngology. The most common procedures are for recurrent ear infections, tonsillitis. Tonsils are now more commonly removed for causing snoring and compromising the airway in children than for recurrent infections.
Bilateral myringotomy and tubes is the most common operation in children for recurrent ear infections or persistent hearing loss, which can often lead to speech delay in young children.
Adenotonsillectomy is the surgical procedure where the adenoids and tonsils removed. Generally they are removed together, though the indications for just removing the tonsils or adenoids would be discussed at consultation if appropriate. Dr. Robichaud performs this surgery using electrocautery dissection. This allows essentially very little or no blood loss. There is usually no pre operative blood work required in children unless they have specific medical conditions which require this. Most patients will go home the same day unless they are younger than two years of age.
Other operations that are done less commonly are for neck lumps, perforated ear drums, nasal congestion, surgery for a hoarse voice or tongue tie release.
Often a tongue tie can be released very readily in the office if the child is less than 6 months of age. The younger this is done, the sooner the child can resume normal feeding and generally the better it will be tolerated. Topical anesthetic is all that is required in the majority of cases.
If it is appropriate your physician will refer your child to be assessed for consideration of surgery. This will be discussed after a history of the problem has been taken and an appropriate physical examination. In some cases an audiogram, or hearing test, will be done during your visit to assess for any hearing loss or abnormal middle ear function.
Further information about some of the procedures can be found under “forms” with highlights on the risks and what to expect before and after surgery