Otolaryngology
DEPARTMENT
Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department
The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) at MCU Hospital, established in 1957, is a pioneering institution in the field of ENT medicine in the Philippines. This department has evolved significantly over the years, marked by its separation from the Department of EENT to become an independent entity dedicated to advancements in ENT care and surgery. Under the guidance of esteemed leaders starting with Dr. Cesar Villafuerte Sr., the department has grown into a center of excellence, offering a wide range of specialized services and facilities.
These services include comprehensive hearing and ear evaluations, partnering with the American Hearing Corporation at the MCU Hearing Center, and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic services for nasal, paranasal sinus, and laryngeal conditions. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as the Medline ENT treatment machines, Welch Allyn otoscopes, and sophisticated endoscopic and surgical equipment to support a broad spectrum of outpatient and inpatient procedures.
With a history of innovation and service, including the establishment of the MCU Hearing Center and the ENT Endoscopy Unit, the department continues to lead in providing cutting-edge care for patients suffering from ENT conditions.
SERVICE
SERVICE OFFERED
The Department of ORL-HNS offers Hearing and Ear Evaluation at the MCU Hearing Center in partnership with the American Hearing Corporation (AMEARCO), located at the hospital’s 2nd Floor. It offers Pure Tone and Speech Audiometry, which are recommended for patients with complaints of decreased hearing or constant ringing of the ear. For pediatric patients, Play Audiometry (3 to 7 years old) and Oto-acoustic Emission Test (OAE) for Newborn Hearing Screening are recommended. In addition, evaluation of the ear drum may be done by Tympanometry and Video Otoscopy for video assisted direct visualization of such. Hearing Aid Prescription is also available for patients diagnosed with hearing loss resulting from age related nerve insufficiency or acquired hearing loss due to trauma or infections.
The ENT Endoscopy Unit offers endoscopic services for the evaluation of the Nose, Paranasal Sinuses and Nasopharynx. Flexible and Rigid Video Nasopharyngoscopy are video assisted procedures for direct visualization of the nasal cavity for evaluation of sinusitis and detection of polyps and tumors. Flexible and Rigid Video Laryngoscopy on the other hand, are video assisted procedures for direct visualization of the vocal cords and adjacent parts of the larynx for evaluation of foreign body sensation in the throat, hoarseness, reflux, and infections.
FACILITIES
Facilities
Outpatient Clinic and Hospital Set-up. The OPD is equipped with Medline ENT treatment machines and Welch Allyn wall mount otoscopes for patient examinations. For in-patient Ear procedures, an operating Zeiss microscope provides magnified visualization of Ear surgeries as it happens simultaneously via a monitor. Likewise, a video endoscopy system for endoscopic sinus surgery is available for rhinologic procedures. A set of Karl Storz Adult and Pediatric Esophagoscopes are also available for removal of esophageal foreign bodies. In 2017, the department acquired a brand new Karl Storz Adult Larynogoscopy and Pediatric Bronchoscopy Set. Other procedures such as Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy, Incision and Drainage and excision of masses are also performed at the ENT OPD treatment room.
For the Ear. The MCU Hearing Center opened on June 22, 1999 in partnership with AMEARCO, which provides Hearing Tests for both adult and pediatric patients for the screening and rehabilitation for hard of hearing individuals. In addition, the Oto-acoustic Emission Test, which started on December 2005 provides hearing screening test for newborns.
For the Nose and Throat. On February 2001, the ENT Endoscopy Unit was established which aims to provide video assisted, diagnostic examination of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and vocal cords. Both rigid and flexible endoscopic procedures are available and with the latest inclusion of a Karl Storz Endoscopy unit on December 7, 2015, and a brand new 30 degrees rigid nasal endoscope in 2017, the department aims to provide better Nasal and Laryngeal Endoscopic Services to patients.