MilwENT News Page

This is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first.

For patients over the age of 21, the FDA has approved the first procedure for treating a dysfunctional Eustachian tube. Symptoms of a dysfunctional Eustachian tube include persistent middle ear fluid with hearing loss, the need for frequent myringotomy and tube surgery, the inability to fly on a plane and adequately clear the ears with barometric pressure changes, and failure of ear surgery to repair holes especially in the front areas of the eardrum. Lesser symptoms can include frequent ear pressure, annoying popping or clicking of the ears. Our clinic has done one of the first Eustachian tube balloon dilations in Wisconsin at St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee. Like other cutting edge procedures, not all insurance companies have approved this procedure for reimbursement. If interested, check with the office manager Sally at the Milwaukee Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic LTD.

For patients with HPV disease our pathologists are now able to perform HPV typing to determine if an HPV tumor is of the high or low cancer risk category. The most common area in the head and neck that HPV associated cancers are being diagnosed is the tonsil. In fact, up to 10% of newly diagnosed HPV associated tonsil cancers will have disease originating simultaneously in both tonsils. These tumors do not always arise on the surface of the tonsil and therefore can be difficult to detect on examination. They frequently require removal of the entire tonsil for pathological detection.

We have included an excellent article on HPV disease recently published by Dr. Robert C. Waters of the Medical College of South Carolina. Please click here to navigate to the article "Human Papilloma Virus".

For patients with allergic polypoid rhinosinusitis, the period immediately following surgical removal of polyps has always been difficult because they have been unable to use their steroid nasal sprays during the healing process to control their underlying allergies. A dissolvable drug eluting stent has been developed which gradually releases a topical steroid in the sinus cavity where the polyps have been removed. This has led to less swelling in the nose during the post operative recovery period.

We performed our first in office balloon sinuplasty after using this procedure for years in the operating room under general anesthesia. This procedure is for patients with non polypoid chronic or recurrent sinusitis in which the drainage pathway from the sinus into the nose is blocked. The procedure is done with the patient awake sitting in the exam chair with only local anesthesia needed. The blocked natural opening from the sinus into the nose is identified with an endoscope and a balloon is inserted to dilate the opening back to a normal size to allow for adequate sinus drainage.

We have reviewed the safety and efficacy of the pillar procedure for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in appropriately selected patients and now are able to offer the procedure in the office.

Many of our patients at the Milwaukee Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic seek advice and treatment for snoring. Snoring can be a major nuisance for bed partners and other family members, as well as a significant health risk for patients with sleep apnea (interrupted breathing).

Over the last 20 years several outpatient and office procedures on the soft palate have been devised to reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea. These have included laser, radiofrequency “Somnoplasty,” and “Injection Snoreplasty.”

The newest procedure is called the Pillar Procedure, using 3 small Pillar palatal implants, inserted into the fleshy soft palate. The implants reduce snoring by stiffening the palate like a batten in a sail, thereby reducing noisy palate flutter during sleep. The main advantage over earlier snoring procedures is that there is less pain during the healing period. In fact, most patients can stay on a normal diet. The procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes.

The Pillar Procedure received FDA clearance for snoring treatment in 2002, and Milwaukee ENT Clinic started doing the procedure in 2006. Although no snoring surgery will take away all breathing sounds, studies show that about 80% of Pillar Procedure patients enjoy reduction in snoring noise by at least half. The long-term success rate is still not known, since this procedure is still relatively new. There is some evidence that this procedure can alleviate mild sleep apnea in some patients, but it is not appropriate for patients with more severe apnea. If we suspect sleep apnea in a patient, we will usually recommend a sleep study initially, followed by medical or surgical treatment if needed.

The cost of the Pillar Procedure in our office is $1400, including the procedure and routine followup office visits for 30 days afterward. (Please be aware that health insurance does not typically cover the cost of this, or any, procedure done for simple snoring.)

If you think you are a candidate for the Pillar Procedure and would like to learn more, you can consult the Pillar Implant manufacturer’s web site at www.restoremedical.com

If you would like to consult with our doctor about this or other treatments for snoring and sleep apnea, call our office at 262-241-8000 to schedule an exam and consultation.

January 2004 RESTYLANE

We have received our first shipment of Restylane™ and have begun treatments. The product is indicated for nasolabial folds and perioral wrinkles. Restylane™ was approved for cosmetic use by the FDA in December 2003. It does not require skin testing like collagen and is not derived from animal sources. This greatly decreases the risk of allergic or adverse reactions. The results are expected to last about 6 months. It's use coupled with Botox for forehead wrinkles can produce the so called "10 minute office facelift" without surgery. Please see the www.restylane.com for further information.

December 2003 BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID (BAHA)

The clinic's first patient has undergone implantation of the bone anchored hearing aid and results appear excellent. A three month period of healing for osseous integration must take place for the full time use of the sound processor. The bone anchored hearing aid is an excellent choice for patients that have trouble with draining ears when they attempt to wear conventional in the ear hearing aids. The bone anchored hearing aid was also recently approved by the FDA for treatment of one sided hearing loss to restore the ability to localize sounds. For detailed information please contact the Entific Medical Systems company at www.entific.com or make an appointment at the clinic for a demonstration of the device and determination of suitability.

April 2003 VIDEONYSTAGMOGRAPHY (VNG)

The clinic has acquired the newest equipment available for evaluating the inner ear balance system. The equipment utilizes infrared video camera technology to record the signals the brain receives from the inner ear balance mechanism and then sends to the eyes. This technology helps us to pinpoint the source of dizziness and hopefully leads to its correction or control.

October 2002 FACIAL PEELS

Glycolic acid peels are also available alone or in conjunction with microdermabrasion therapy. The recommended course of treatment is three peels spaced two weeks apart. Twice daily use of 10% unbuffered glycolic acid is recommended for maintenance. The cost of the three peels is $250. The 50% Glycolic acid peel administered in the office is a superficial peel but used in conjunction with the daily glycolic acid it can achieve medium depth peel effect. Please call to schedule an appointment with Eve our esthetician for more information.

Botulinum toxin type A is available at the clinic for the FDA approved use in treating forehead wrinkles. 5 injections of small quantities of the protein are placed in the frown muscles of the forehead and 89% of patients achieve significant wrinkle reduction for up to 4 months. The treatment takes about 10 minutes for appropriate candidates aged 18 to 65. The cost is $550 per treatment. Discounts are available for referrals treated at the same time. Please click the link below to view Clinic patient results.

Web Changes

Last modified: January 23, 2017