Private Tonsillectomy in London and Essex: When Should You See an ENT Consultant? Recurrent tonsillitis can be miserable. For some people, it means repeated courses of antibiotics, time off work, missed school, disturbed sleep and constant worry about when the next infection will happen. Tonsillectomy, which is surgery to remove the tonsils, may be considered when tonsil infections are frequent, severe and affecting day-to-day life. It can also be considered in selected children with sleep-disordered breathing, where enlarged tonsils contribute to snoring, disturbed sleep, or breathing pauses at night. This guide explains when it may be sensible to see an ENT consultant, what a private tonsillectomy assessment involves, and what patients should know about recovery and risks. What are the tonsils? The tonsils are two small pads of immune tissue at the back of the throat. They help the body recognise infections, particularly in childhood. However, in some people, th...
Cholesteatoma Surgery in London and Essex:
What Patients Need to Know
Persistent ear problems are often dismissed as
“just infections.” However, in some cases, ongoing ear discharge or hearing
loss may point to a more serious condition called cholesteatoma.
Cholesteatoma is not a cancer, but it is a destructive
growth of skin within the middle ear that can damage hearing and nearby
structures if left untreated. Early assessment by an ENT specialist is
important.
This guide explains the symptoms, risks, and
treatment options, including when surgery may be recommended.
What is a cholesteatoma?
A cholesteatoma is a collection of skin cells
that builds up behind the eardrum. Over time, this trapped skin can grow and
erode nearby bone, including the delicate hearing bones (ossicles).
It often develops due to long-standing
Eustachian tube dysfunction, repeated ear infections, or a retracted
eardrum.
Common symptoms of cholesteatoma
Symptoms can develop gradually and may be
mistaken for routine ear infections.
You should consider seeing an ENT consultant
if you notice:
- Persistent
or recurrent ear discharge (often with an unpleasant smell)
- Hearing
loss in one ear
- A
feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Recurrent
ear infections that do not fully settle
- Dizziness
or imbalance (less common)
- Tinnitus
(ringing in the ear)
Symptoms are often one-sided, which is
an important warning sign.
Why early diagnosis matters
Cholesteatoma does not resolve on its own.
Without treatment, it can continue to grow and cause complications such as:
- Progressive
hearing loss
- Damage
to the ossicles (hearing bones)
- Spread
of infection to surrounding bone (mastoid)
- Balance
problems
- Facial
nerve weakness (rare but serious)
- Very
rarely, intracranial complications
Early diagnosis allows treatment before
significant damage occurs.
When should you see an ENT consultant?
You should seek specialist assessment if you
have:
- Ongoing
ear discharge despite treatment
- Recurrent
infections in the same ear
- Hearing
loss that is worsening
- A
history of childhood ear problems with new adult symptoms
- Previous
ear surgery with recurring symptoms
A specialist ENT assessment helps confirm
whether symptoms are due to cholesteatoma or another chronic ear condition.
What happens at a private ENT consultation?
During your consultation with Mr Gaurav Kumar,
you can expect:
- A
detailed history of your ear symptoms
- Microscopic
or endoscopic ear examination
- Hearing
test (audiogram) if required
- Imaging
(such as CT scan) in selected cases
The aim is to confirm the diagnosis, assess
the extent of disease, and discuss treatment options clearly.
Is surgery always needed?
Unlike simple ear infections, cholesteatoma usually
requires surgery. This is because the condition continues to grow and
cannot be treated effectively with medication alone.
The goal of surgery is to:
- Remove
the cholesteatoma completely
- Create
a safe, dry ear
- Preserve
or improve hearing where possible
What does cholesteatoma surgery involve?
Surgery is typically performed under general
anaesthetic and may include:
- Removal
of diseased tissue from the middle ear and mastoid
- Reconstruction
of the eardrum
- Repair
or reconstruction of hearing bones (ossiculoplasty), if needed
The exact procedure depends on the size and
location of the cholesteatoma.
In some cases, a second planned operation
may be recommended to ensure complete removal and optimise hearing outcomes.
Hearing reconstruction: what to expect
If the cholesteatoma has damaged the hearing
bones, reconstruction may be performed during the same operation or at a later
stage.
Hearing improvement depends on:
- Extent
of disease
- Condition
of remaining structures
- Type
of reconstruction performed
Some patients experience significant
improvement, while others may still require hearing aids.
Recovery after ear surgery
Recovery varies depending on the extent of
surgery but typically includes:
- Mild
to moderate discomfort for several days
- Temporary
dizziness in some patients
- Ear
dressings or packing for 1–3 weeks
- Gradual
return to normal activities over 2–4 weeks
Patients are usually advised to:
- Keep
the ear dry
- Avoid
heavy lifting or straining initially
- Avoid
flying until cleared by the surgeon
- Attend
follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Risks of cholesteatoma surgery
As with any surgery, there are risks, which
will be discussed in detail before treatment.
These may include:
- Residual
or recurrent cholesteatoma
- Hearing
loss (rarely worse than before)
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness
- Taste
disturbance
- Infection
- Very
rare facial nerve weakness
Careful surgical planning and follow-up are
essential to minimise these risks.
Safety-netting: when to seek urgent help
After ear surgery or during ongoing ear
symptoms, seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe
or worsening pain not controlled with medication
- Sudden
hearing loss
- Persistent
vomiting or severe dizziness
- Facial
weakness or asymmetry
- High
fever or signs of spreading infection
- Heavy
bleeding from the ear
If symptoms are severe, attend the nearest
Emergency Department.
Why choose Mr Gaurav Kumar?
Mr Gaurav Kumar is a Consultant ENT Surgeon
with specialist expertise in chronic ear disease and cholesteatoma surgery.
His practice focuses on:
- Accurate
diagnosis of complex ear conditions
- Modern
surgical techniques, including endoscopic ear surgery, where appropriate
- Hearing
preservation and reconstruction
- Clear,
patient-focused decision-making
Patients benefit from a consultant-led
approach tailored to their condition and goals.
Book a private ENT consultation in London or
Essex
If you are experiencing persistent ear
discharge, hearing loss or recurrent infections, early specialist assessment is
important.
To book a consultation with Mr Gaurav Kumar,
please contact the practice or use the online booking system.
This article is intended for general
information and does not replace individual medical advice. If you are
concerned about your symptoms, seek professional medical care promptly.
Call 07494914140
