Diagnosis and surgical treatment of benign changes in the throat
In the event of changes to the mucous membrane or masses in the throat area, further clarification is recommended. Common complaints are a disturbing feeling when swallowing or obvious visible changes. The clarification comprises a clinical examination including a pharyngoscopy (endoscopy) and sometimes an additional ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the throat or supplementary tomography with computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A tissue sample may be necessary to clarify the dignity of the change. If a benign mass is confirmed, no further measures or observational behavior are often sufficient. Surgical removal is indicated in the case of disturbing findings or for complete clarification of the dignity.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is performed in cases of frequent bacterial tonsillitis (angina), sleep-related breathing disorders (OSAS) or to clarify unclear changes in the tonsils. This operation requires general anesthesia and a short hospital stay. An open wound surface is created, which heals completely on its own over a period of up to 2 weeks. The most common risk with this operation is post-operative bleeding. To keep this risk as low as possible, it is important to ensure sufficient fluid intake and to strictly avoid sporting activities and hot food until two weeks after the operation.
Diagnosis and treatment of malignant revenge tumors
Malignant tumors of the throat often remain undetected for a long time because they cause few symptoms at the beginning. Frequent later symptoms are lumps in the neck (lymph node metastases), foreign body sensation, difficulty swallowing or increasing pain, which can radiate into the ears. The most common risk factors for the development of throat cancer are smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The latter in particular has become increasingly common in recent decades, but can now be prevented by vaccination at a young age.
Clarification takes place via the “Intake consultation”. An endoscopy (panendoscopy) is performed under anesthesia to take tissue samples and exclude other lesions or secondary tumors in order to precisely assess the malignant tumor. In addition, tomographic imaging of the neck with CT or MRI and, in the case of advanced tumors, whole-body imaging with PET-CT or PET-MRI is performed. In addition, swallowing is evaluated by the speech therapist, the nutritional status (nutritional advice) and the teeth. The findings are discussed at the interdisciplinary head and neck tumor board and the best treatment recommendation for the patient is determined. Depending on its size and location, throat cancer can be treated surgically or with radiotherapy. In the case of extensive tumors, combined therapy may also be necessary.
After completing treatment for a malignant tumor, patients are followed up at our clinic for a period of at least 5 years in the interdisciplinary tumor consultation hours.
Diagnosis and surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum
A Zenker’s diverticulum is a weak spot in the throat muscles in the lower pharynx (hypopharynx). Symptoms such as a foreign body sensation when swallowing, sticking or regurgitation of food and bad breath may occur. In addition to the clinical examination, a swallowing examination with contrast medium is performed, which reveals the protrusion (diverticulum). Zenker’s diverticulum is treated surgically. The diverticulum can either be cut through the mouth with a stapler. On the other hand, there is the option of open surgery via a lateral access on the neck, whereby the muscle gap is closed and the protrusion removed. After the operation, food must be built up slowly so that the staple suture, or rather the staple suture, is not damaged. wound can heal well.
