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Throat & Pharynx

The tonsils in the throat are often chronically inflamed.  Most of the time, this leads to short-term discomfort which can be readily alleviated.  But when the inflammation is frequent and severe, there may be a severe reduction in the quality of life.  A tonsillectomy, the removal of the tonsils, can help here.

Analysis
One speaks of chronic tonsillitis either when acute inflammation of the tonsils, accompanied by fever (angina), occurs several times a year, or when there is continuous pain due to an ongoing mild inflammation.  Frequently inflamed tonsils can produce a kind of crumbly secretion due to scarring, and this can smell unpleasant.  

Surgery

The operation to remove the tonsils usually takes place under general anesthetic and is carried out through the mouth.  The tonsils are removed using special instruments; the surgical procedure only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Experience indicates postoperative pain is like a bout of acute tonsillitis.  Full healing usually takes about two weeks; the hospital stay itself lasts 3 to 5 days. We will be happy to inform you of the potential risks involved.

Removal of the tonsils ordinarily does not lead to reduced immune function. The defensive function the tonsils perform, in fact, is lost already in childhood between ages 5 and 10. 

Costs
This area of specialization includes diseases of the oral cavity, throat, larynx (together with the upper part of the esophagus), and the soft tissues of the neck.  Such conditions may arise due to inflammation or as a result of either benign or malignant tumors.

This area of specialization includes diseases of the oral cavity, throat, larynx (together with the upper part of the esophagus), and the soft tissues of the neck.  Such conditions may arise due to inflammation or as a result of either benign or malignant tumors.

Analysis
An examination by a specialist is often sufficient to establish a diagnosis.  Should additional clarification be necessary, imaging techniques such as ultrasound may be used. In some cases, non-invasive CAT or MRI scans are called for.

In the case of a tumor diagnosis, it is often useful to perform a fine needle puncture for biopsy purposes.  In some cases, it may be necessary to take a tissue sample; this is done in the operating theater.

Conservative treatments
Many diseases can be treated using anti-inflammatory painkillers or antibiotics.

Surgery
Certain diseases cannot – or only partly – be treated with medications. An operation can make it possible either to remove the problem or at least reduce its influence. Highly specialized surgical techniques and apparatus support this effort. We will be happy to inform you of the possible risks involved.

Costs
As a rule, the costs for the aforementioned treatments are covered under the Swiss health insurance scheme. 

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Throat and pharynx

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