Otolaryngology surgery (ENT) deals with the surgical treatment of disorders affecting the ear, nose, and throat and, when necessary, conditions involving the head and neck region. At Paideia International Hospital, the surgical pathway begins with a specialist consultation and continues with a comprehensive assessment of the condition, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach and the support of modern technologies dedicated to diagnosis and treatment planning.
The goal is to offer each patient a clear, personalized pathway focused on choosing the most appropriate treatment: medical, rehabilitative, or surgical, depending on the condition and its severity.
When ENT surgery may be indicated
Surgery may be considered when symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or do not respond adequately to conservative treatments. The most common signs include:
- Chronic nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, nasal polyposis
- Significant snoring and suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Voice disorders (lowered voice, prolonged hoarseness, vocal cord lesions)
- Ear conditions associated with hearing loss, dizziness, or eardrum problems
- Conditions involving the head and neck region that require dedicated specialist evaluation
Main areas of treatment
Nasal and sinus surgery
When medical therapy is not enough, surgery may help restore proper breathing and reduce the impact of chronic inflammation. Procedures that may be considered include:
- Septoplasty in cases of a deviated septum causing breathing obstruction, using updated techniques and devices that help maintain airflow in the postoperative period
- Turbinoplasty for enlarged turbinates, using a minimally invasive approach under endoscopic guidance, often performed as a day-hospital procedure depending on the clinical indication
- Endoscopic sinus surgery (video-assisted) for selected cases of sinusitis and/or nasal polyposis, performed through the nostrils without skin incisions
- Balloon sinuplasty (in selected cases), a minimally invasive technique indicated for some forms of chronic or recurrent sinusitis when medical therapy does not provide adequate benefit
Voice and laryngeal surgery
Voice disorders can have many causes and require targeted evaluation. When indicated, treatment may include dedicated surgical procedures.
Examples of procedures that may be considered:
- Microlaryngoscopy for the removal of benign lesions (e.g., polyps and cysts) and, when necessary, for the management of precancerous or cancerous lesions
- Use of latest-generation digital microscopes and, where indicated, laser surgery
Sleep-disordered breathing surgery (snoring and OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is a clinically significant condition and requires a structured care pathway. Management is often multidisciplinary and may include specific tests and, in some cases, surgical treatment when the obstruction is caused by correctable anatomical changes.
Assessments and tests that may be part of the pathway include:
- Polysomnography
- Sleep endoscopy to identify sites of upper airway obstruction
Ear surgery
Ear surgery may be indicated in selected conditions affecting hearing and/or balance, following a careful specialist assessment. Conditions that may require surgical evaluation include:
- Eardrum perforation
- Otosclerosis
- Some forms of hearing loss and inner ear/balance disorders (depending on diagnosis and indication)
- Treatment of chronic ear infections and cholesteatoma
The surgical pathway: from consultation to follow-up
- 1. Initial ENT consultation with symptom review and clinical assessment
- 2. Further investigations (when indicated): endoscopic evaluations, functional tests, and imaging
- 3. Treatment planning and definition of the surgical indication (or non-surgical alternatives)
- 4. Anesthesiology evaluation and preparation for surgery
- 5. Surgery performed as day surgery/day hospital or inpatient admission, depending on complexity and the patient’s condition
- 6. Postoperative checks and follow-up, with guidance on therapy, dressings, and recovery
Technology and approach
The use of endoscopic and video-assisted techniques and advanced instrumentation supports the surgeon in achieving precision during the procedure and in managing the postoperative course, with the aim of reducing invasiveness when clinically appropriate. For selected surgical procedures, we use next-generation devices, including Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) technology, designed to allow a gentler cutting/coagulation action and reduced thermal damage compared with traditional electrosurgery, with the goal of limiting tissue trauma and supporting faster postoperative recovery when clinically appropriate.
Pediatric otolaryngology surgery
Pediatric ENT surgery requires specific expertise, dedicated care pathways, and the utmost attention to child safety. At Paideia International Hospital in Rome, pediatric otolaryngology surgical activity is organized with a dedicated team and care designed to support young patients and their families at every stage, from preoperative evaluation to follow-up.
Pediatric ENT procedures: when indicated
Depending on the specialist diagnosis and clinical indication, the pathway may include procedures such as:
- Adenoidectomy
- Tonsillectomy
- Otologic surgery for hearing disorders and selected ear conditions
- Hearing loss surgery and, in indicated cases, cochlear implant pathways (evaluation and treatment by a multidisciplinary team)
Latest-generation technologies and instruments
In selected procedures, we use advanced devices such as Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR), which enables targeted cutting/coagulation with reduced thermal impact compared with conventional techniques, with the aim of preserving tissue and supporting smoother postoperative recovery in appropriate cases.
Comfort and safety after surgery
Each procedure is included in a protocol aimed at:
- Containing postoperative pain through age-appropriate pain management strategies and therapies
- Reducing the risk of bleeding and carefully managing the most delicate phases of recovery, with dedicated monitoring and follow-up (depending on the procedure performed)
Dedicated pediatric anesthesia
A key added value is the presence of a dedicated pediatric anesthesia service, which supports the child continuously: from preparation in the room, to transfer to the operating room, and through recovery, with care focused on the child’s comfort and clinical safety.
24/7 support
After surgery, dedicated 24/7 support is available for needs and questions during the postoperative period, ensuring continuity of care and a constant point of reference for the family.
