Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, which are small glands located at the back of the throat. It is commonly performed in children or adults who experience repeated throat infections (tonsillitis), large tonsils causing sleep or breathing problems, chronic tonsil stones, or bad breath. In some cases, a tonsillectomy may also be done if there is concern about abnormal or potentially cancerous tissue.

The procedure is done under general anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. The tonsils are removed through the mouth using specialized tools, with no external cuts. Recovery typically takes 7 to 10 days and involves a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fatigue. Pain medication and a soft or cold diet (like popsicles or ice cream) are recommended. The most important thing is to stay well hydrated. There is a small risk of bleeding in the days after surgery, so any fresh blood should be reported to your doctor immediately. Most people feel much better after they've healed and often notice improved breathing or fewer infections.

An adenoidectomy removes the adenoids, a mass of tissue behind the nose and throat. Adenoids can become enlarged due to frequent infections or allergies and may cause snoring, nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, or chronic ear infections. This procedure is often performed in children, sometimes alongside tonsillectomy.

Adenoidectomy is done under general anesthesia and is performed through the mouth, so there are no external incisions. It is a short and safe procedure, often done as outpatient surgery. Most children recover quickly, with only mild sore throat or nasal congestion for a few days. Breathing through the nose typically improves, and snoring often decreases. Risks are low but can include bleeding, infection, or a temporary nasal-sounding voice as the throat adjusts. Follow-up is usually straightforward; most adults and children return to school or work within a few days.

Septoplasty is surgery to straighten the nasal septum—the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the two sides of the nose. If the septum is deviated or crooked, it can block airflow and cause nasal congestion, snoring, nosebleeds, or recurrent sinus infections. Septoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure; it’s focused on improving breathing.

The procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon repositions or removes parts of the deviated septum to open the nasal passages through a small incision inside the nose. There are no external scars. Some patients may have soft internal splints for a few days to support healing. Recovery usually includes mild nasal stuffiness, pressure, or drainage for about a week. Avoiding heavy activity and blowing the nose is essential during healing. The procedure is highly effective, and many patients notice significantly improved breathing once the swelling subsides.

Turbinate resection (or reduction) is a procedure to shrink or remove part of the turbinates — structures inside the nose that warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe. When these become chronically enlarged due to allergies, infection, or anatomical issues, they can block airflow and contribute to congestion, mouth breathing, or snoring.

The surgery is often done alongside septoplasty and can be performed under general or local anesthesia. The turbinates are reduced using various methods (trimming, radiofrequency, or cautery), all done through the nostrils with no external incisions. Recovery is usually mild, with some congestion and nasal drainage for several days. Saline sprays and avoiding nose-blowing help with healing. Most patients breathe more easily and feel less congested after recovery. Complications are rare but can include dryness or crusting in the nose.

A nasal polypectomy is a procedure to remove nasal polyps — soft, non-cancerous growths that form in the lining of the nose or sinuses, often due to chronic inflammation, allergies, or sinus infections. These polyps can cause nasal blockage, reduced sense of smell, postnasal drip, or recurrent sinus infections.

The procedure is done endoscopically through the nostrils under general or local anesthesia. The polyps are carefully removed without cutting through the skin. Recovery usually involves mild discomfort, nasal congestion, or drainage for a few days. Saline sprays or steroid rinses are often recommended to promote healing and reduce recurrence. Follow-up may include allergy treatment or long-term nasal steroid use. While polyps can regrow, many patients experience significant improvement in nasal breathing and sinus symptoms.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is used to open blocked sinus passages and improve drainage. It’s commonly performed for chronic sinusitis that doesn’t improve with medication, nasal polyps, or structural problems like narrow sinus openings. The goal is to reduce infection, improve airflow, and restore normal sinus function.

The procedure is done under general anesthesia using an endoscope — a small camera inserted through the nostrils. The surgeon removes obstructions, widens sinus openings, and may clear out infected tissue. No external incisions are made. Recovery includes nasal congestion, mild bleeding, and the need for saline rinses to keep the sinuses clean. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week. Continued care with nasal sprays or allergy management is needed. This minimally invasive surgery has a high success rate and can significantly improve breathing, sense of smell, and quality of life.

A lymph node biopsy is a procedure to remove a small portion or all of a lymph node for testing. It's done when a node feels abnormally large, hard, or tender or when imaging suggests changes that could indicate infection, inflammation, or cancer. Lymph node biopsy helps determine the cause of the swelling and guides further treatment.

The biopsy is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the location and size of the lymph node. A small incision is made near the node — commonly in the neck — and the tissue is removed and sent to a lab. Recovery is quick, with minimal discomfort and a small scar. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two. Results typically come back within a week. Risks are low but can include bleeding, infection, or nerve irritation, depending on the node's location.

This procedure involves the complete removal of one or more lymph nodes, usually as part of cancer diagnosis or treatment. Unlike a biopsy, which takes a sample, this surgery is done when the node is known or suspected to contain disease (like metastatic cancer or lymphoma) or if it's persistently enlarged or causing problems.

Performed under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision near the affected area (usually in the neck or under the jaw), identifies the lymph node, and carefully removes it. The incision is then closed with sutures. Recovery involves some swelling and discomfort, but patients are usually able to go home the same day. Depending on the location, the area may have temporary numbness or stiffness. A pathologist examines the removed node to guide future care. Risks are generally low but can include infection, nerve injury, or fluid buildup (seroma).

This procedure removes the submandibular (or submaxillary) salivary gland, located beneath the lower jaw. It may be performed if there are chronic infections, stones blocking the duct, or tumors (most of which are benign but occasionally malignant).

The surgery is done under general anesthesia through an incision under the jawline. The gland is carefully removed while protecting nearby nerves that control tongue movement and feeling. A drain may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup. Recovery includes a few days of swelling, mild pain, and possible temporary numbness under the chin or tongue. Most people return to normal activities within a week. Follow-up includes monitoring the incision and reviewing pathology if a tumor is involved. Long-term issues are rare, and most patients experience relief from their symptoms.

This is a minor surgical procedure used to treat an abscess, a collection of pus caused by infection. Abscesses in the head and neck area—such as in the skin, lymph nodes, or salivary glands—can cause pain, swelling, redness, and fever if not treated promptly.

The skin is cleaned under local anesthesia (or general, if the abscess is deep or in a sensitive area), and a small incision is made to allow the pus to drain. The area may be irrigated and packed with gauze. Antibiotics are usually prescribed afterward. Patients typically feel relief almost immediately, and the area heals over several days. Follow-up may be needed to ensure full resolution. Risks are minimal but can include scarring or recurrence if the underlying infection isn't fully treated.

Also known as peritonsillar abscess drainage, this procedure treats a collection of pus that forms near the tonsil — a painful and sometimes serious complication of tonsillitis. Symptoms include severe sore throat (usually one-sided), difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and muffled voice.

Drainage is typically performed under local anesthesia, although sedation may be used for comfort. A small incision is made near the abscess to release the pus. In some cases, a needle may be used instead. Antibiotics are given, and pain improves quickly once the abscess is drained. Recovery includes hydration, rest, and soft foods. Rarely, if abscesses recur or are severe, a tonsillectomy may be recommended later. Risks include bleeding or recurrence, but this procedure is generally safe and effective.