Throat Procedures – Chicago, IL
A Healthy Throat for a Healthier You
Your throat plays an essential role in both breathing and swallowing — a healthier throat can lead to a healthier you! But what if you have a medical condition that affects how well your throat functions? For example, you might develop tonsilitis or obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Wiesman and our Chicago medical team are eager to help. We offer surgical throat procedures that have the potential to improve your quality of life and lower your risk of future health complications.
Tonsillectomies
The tonsils are two oval-shaped pieces of tissue on either side of the throat. They contain a lot of white blood cells, so they can help to catch infectious microbes and protect your systemic health. Unfortunately, if they become badly infected and swollen (a condition known as tonsilitis), you could end up feeling very unwell. For example, you might have a painful sore throat, a high fever, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms.
Often, the best way to treat tonsilitis and prevent its recurrence is via a procedure called a tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils. Dr. Wiesman uses coblation technology to perform this procedure. It employs radiofrequency energy to remove the tonsils, resulting in minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.
If you need to undergo a tonsillectomy, do not worry that the procedure will endanger your future well-being. Although the tonsils can reduce the risk of infections, they are not essential for human health. In fact, they are considered to be vestigial structures.
Learn More About Tonsillectomies
Sleep Apnea Treatment (UPPP Surgery)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. It can rob a person of necessary rest, leaving them feeling exhausted day after day. It is also associated with numerous health conditions, including heart attack and diabetes.
There are a number of treatments that can address OSA, and most of them are non-invasive. However, if conservative options prove inadequate, you might need to undergo surgery. During uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery, Dr. Wiesman selectively removes certain tissues from the throat, thereby opening up the airway and paving the way for better breathing. As you recover from the procedure, you may experience an improvement in the quality of your sleep. Your partner may also notice that you snore less than you did previously.
Would you like to learn more about the throat procedures available from Dr. Wiesman? Contact our office to ask questions or request a consultation.
