DEPARTMENT OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY/ EAR, NOSE & THROAT
Otolaryngologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. La Peer's Otolaryngology Department is comprised of a team of specialists who concentrate on disorders and diseases of the ear, nose, larynx, head and neck, sinuses, respiratory tract, thyroid, trachea, and endocrine glands – essentially all the parts of the body that lie above the shoulders with the exception of the brain. All of the doctors at La Peer's Otolaryngology Department are board certified in otolaryngology with sub-specialty expertise. The physicians in our Otolaryngology Department are absolute professionals and have had rigorous, comprehensive training to improve the facial structure through various techniques of reconstructive surgery. La Peer's Otolaryngology Department has performed many routine and cutting edge surgeries including the removal of benign and malignant tumors from the tongue, vocal cords, larynx, parathyroid and thyroid glands, salivary glands, ears, eyes, base of the skull. We have the very latest image-guidance systems for endoscopic sinus surgical procedures and nerve monitoring to make our surgical procedures safe for the patient. Our main goal is to improve the function and aesthetics of the ear, nose, and throat. The cosmetic requirements play a vital role in the modification and reconstruction of facial deformities that have resulted from surgeries for repairing sinuses, for treating cancer, and similar conditions La Peer Health Systems has a special otolaryngology unit for outpatient surgery in the building. This unit has been created specially for the La Peer Otolaryngology patients. It is important to us to make the recovery process as painless and comfortable for you. Procedures that demand hospitalization, or extensive post-operative treatment or care, are carried out in hospitals that are listed by the specific insurance providers of the patients. However, the La Peer Otolaryngology Department is affiliated with Cedars Sinai hospital in Beverly Hills, CA. Some of the common ENT conditions and procedures performed at La Peer are: Medical Conditions
Procedures
We have highly trained surgeons that believe technique and caring are just as important. We will not cut corners and we will advise you of your treatment options. If you are suffering from breathing problems, thyroid problems, or think you may be, please call us at 310-360-9119 and ask to speak with the ENT Department. La Peer Surgery Center- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (310) 360-9119 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Conditions Treated at La Peer Health Systems
Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsils are actually lymph nodes in the back of the throat. Their normal function is to protect the body from bacteria that may infect the body. It is very common that when one has strep throat, the tonsils become inflamed because of the infection. The symptoms of tonsillitis include difficulty swallowing, fever, ear pain, sore throat, tenderness in the neck and throat area, and headache. The treatment for tonsillitis includes antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. If the infection is viral, then rest and time is the treatment. In the early 20th century, it was very common to remove tonsils if they became infected. However, this is not the case anymore. Tonsils are removed now if they routinely become infected and are problematic to the patient. Sinus conditions: The conditions of the sinus include chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis. Those who experience a sinus infection for more than 4 weeks are considered to have acute sinusitis. Many people with sinus conditions also suffer from allergies. The treatment for sinusitis also includes treatment for individual allergies. Sinus surgery may also be used, but that is if there is little improvement after other treatment courses have been used. Deviated/Perforated Septum: The nasal septum is piece of cartilage that separates the nostrils. When this piece of cartilage is crooked (deviated), it can cause breathing problems. It is very common to have a deviated septum. Many people may have a deviated septum with little or no symptoms. The common symptoms experienced are nosebleeds, facial pain, frequent sinus infections, nasal obstruction, and noisy breathing while sleeping. The common cause of a deviated septum is trauma. A perforated septum is a condition where there is a hold in the septum. This can occur through inhaling chemicals, trauma, or cocaine use. The treatment for a deviated or perforated septum is a septoplasty. Head and Neck Tumors: Head and neck tumors are tumors/cancer that occur in the mouth, neck, throat, nose, salivary glands, thyroid gland, or parathyroid. Leaving the tumor can allow it to grow larger and for cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, the treatment for head and neck tumors is surgery. If the tumor is benign, then surgery and intermittent evaluation is all that is required. If the tumor is malignant, then radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be required depending on the location of the tumor. Allergies: Allergies cause sinus and breathing problems for many people. It is important to diagnose what the patient is allergic to. The treatment for allergies includes avoidance, which means you will have to avoid certain allergens. This is often done through avoiding animals, dusting, etc. Other options include antihistamines, anti-inflammatory sprays, steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, expectorants, and allergy shots. Vocal Cord Disorders: There are many conditions that can affect the vocal cords and voice. The common conditions include polyps, laryngopharyngeal acid reflux, cysts, cancer, granuloma, vocal cord hemorrhage, laryngitis, and papilloma. The causes of these conditions include viruses, vocal misuse, heavy use of voice, smoking, and inflammation. The treatment for vocal cord disorders depends on the underlying condition, but surgery is used to treat cysts, polyps, cancer, hemorrhages, and granulomas. For other conditions, voice rest and vocal therapy is used. Swallowing Disorders: Swallowing disorders is a functional disorder that makes it difficult to swallow food, liquids, and/or saliva. The type of swallowing disorder depends on where the difficulty lies. Some people can have problems with food or liquids entering the windpipe or are unable to swallow at all. Swallowing disorders are often caused by another, often neurological, condition. Stomach, esophageal, and throat cancers can cause swallowing disorders. Strokes, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and other neurological disorders can also cause throat disorders. The treatment for a swallowing disorder depends on the type of swallowing disorder and the underlying cause. The treatment could include adding thickeners to liquids to make ensure it doesn’t enter the windpipe, or surgery. Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes can be found all over the body. Their basic purpose is to work like filters. If these lymph nodes are inflamed or enlarged due to some underlying reason such as a sore or acne, it can cause some problems from time to time. Sometimes an enlarged lymph node could be the sign of a tumor too, and our job is to diagnose the condition and perform tests. After routine tests and diagnosis, we recommend the necessary course of treatment. Neck Masses: Neck masses have been one of the major causes of concern these days. These are quite commonly found during diagnosis and are prevalent in children and in adults as well. There could be various causes of neck masses, such as some infections or inflammatory diseases that cause inflammation of glands. Congenital cysts could also be the probable cause, and these are present usually since birth or are caused due to some trauma or injury or typical neoplastic diseases. Irrespective of the cause of neck mass, a routine evaluation conducted by the Board Certified ENT specialist or Otolaryngologist is usually recommended. While neck masses are usually benign or non-cancerous, it is still important to get the condition evaluated by a specialist for peace of mind. Thyroid Disorders: The thyroid gland is one of the major glands of the body that is located right at the center of neck, below the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland has the shape of a butterfly and is mainly responsible for producing the hormone that controls the metabolic functions of the body.
Cancer: Cancers that involve different structures of the neck or head are quite common these days. Such conditions are quite common in people who consume tobacco. Tumors are seen inside the mouth or throat, and even in the voice box. Cancer also spreads rapidly in the thyroid gland, saliva glands, lymph nodes, and sinuses. Cancer of the lymph nodes is called lymphoma. Patients with such problems would need to follow some treatments involving many specialists from different fields, such as radiation therapist, oncologist, family doctor and physicians. Procedures at La Peer
Endoscopic sinus surgery: Endoscopic sinsus surgery is a minimally invasive surgery used to improve the function of the sinuses. An flexible tube with a camera, light, and room for instruments, is inserted through the nose and into the sinus. This surgery is used to remove nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, frontal sinus disease, There is no incision and the surgery has less risk of complications and infections. Removal of salivary gland lesions: A salivary gland may be removed if there is a tumor or cancerous growth.
La Peer Surgery Center- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery DoctorsDr. Michel Babajanian is a board-certified Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS), readmore Babak Larian is a highly experienced and reputable ear, nose & throat specialist, and head & neck surgeon in Los Angeles. Dr. Larian has extensive experience in treating diseases readmore Mani H. Zadeh, MD FACS is a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) readmore |
