Office Based Surgery

We have established 2 surgery suites within our office that are accredited for office-based surgical suite gulf coast ent & allergy texas surgery and operated by licensed anesthesiologists, where minor surgery currently occurs. Both local and general anesthesia can safely be administered in the surgery suites, depending upon the type of surgery being performed. Both OR suites are fully staffed during cases, and there are two separate recovery rooms that provide a safe and pleasant post-operative experience. We are in the process of getting these operating suites accredited by 3rd party insurance providers so that this safe and convenient surgical option is available to serve the needs of more patients.

Office Based Flexible Laryngoscopy

A transnasal flexible laryngoscope can be used for office-based diagnostics. This office exam is extremely well tolerated and often performed multiple times per day to patients of all ages. This can even be performed on newborns if medically required. Prior to passing the scope, the patient’s nose is decongested and anesthetized with topical sprays that do NOT sting or burn. The patient then sits in an upright position and the scope is passed along the floor of the nose into the back of the throat to a level just above the vocal cords. At this point the patient is asked to breath deeply and phonate, allowing the physician to directly observe the structure and dynamic motion of the true and false vocal cords. There are no lasting side effects to this procedure and the anesthetic spray wears off over the ensuing 1-2 hours.

Common reasons for performing this procedure during your visit include hoarseness, suspected vocal fold lesions, chronic shortness of breath, difficulty or inability to swallow, longstanding history of smoking, the need for postoperative visualization or tumor surveillance, and inability to otherwise visualize the vocal cords during the exam.

Rigid Nasal Endoscopy

Rigid nasal endoscope Rigid nasal endoscopy can be used for office-based diagnostics. This exam is extremely well tolerated and is performed on adults and children who are able to cooperate with the exam. Prior to passing the scope, the patient’s nose is decongested and anesthetized with topical sprays that do NOT sting or burn. The patient then sits in an upright position and the scope is gently passed through the nasal cavity to the back of the nose. This exam allows a complete and detailed visualization of all nasal mucosa, nasal turbinates, openings into the sinuses, and nasopharynx. There are no lasting side effects to this procedure and the anesthetic spray wears off over the ensuing 1-2 hours.

Common reasons for performing this procedure during your visit include nasal airway obstruction, suspected acute or chronic sinusitis, nasal/facial pain, altered sense of smell, and nosebleeds.