Tonsillectomy
Tonsils are removed through the mouth (A). The surgeon uses a scissors to cut away the tonsils, and a forceps to pull them away (B). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Septoplasty
Septoplasty is used to correct a deviated septum (B). First an incision is made to expose the nasal septum (C). Pieces of septum that are obstructing air flow are removed (D), and the incision is then closed (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Thyroidectomy
To remove the thyroid gland, an incision is made at the front of the neck (A). Muscles and connecting tissue, or fascia, are divided (B). The veins and arteries above and below the thyroid are severed (C), and the gland is removed in two parts (D). The tissues and muscles are repaired before the skin incision is closed (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Tracheotomy
For a tracheotomy, an incision is made in the skin just above the sternal notch (A). Just below the thyroid, the membrane covering the trachea is divided (B), and the trachea itself is cut (C). A cross incision is made to enlarge the opening (D), and a tracheostomy tube may be put in place (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Cochlear Implants
A cochlear implant has a microphone outside the ear that transmits sounds to an implanted receiver. In turn, the receiver transmits electrical impulses to the cochlea and cochlear nerve, which is stimulated in normal hearing. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Adenoidectomy
Patient's mouth is held open with tubes (A). A mirror is used to visualize the adenoids during the procedure (B). The adenoids are removed with a side-to-side or front-to-back motion (C). Bleeding is controlled with a cauterizing tool (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Parathyroidectomy
The parathryoid gland is accessed through an incision in the neck (A). Muscles and connecting tissues, or fascia, are cut open (B). The thyroid gland is exposed, and the superior (C) and inferior parathyroid glands are removed (D). The muscle layers are stitched (E), and the wound closed. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
During endoscopic sinus surgery, a doctor uses an endoscope to view the inner cavities of the nose (A and B). Using special instruments, the doctor opens the sinuses to alleviate problems with sinusitis (C and D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Tympanoplasty
The tympanic membrane, or ear drum, may need surgical repair when punctured (A). During a type I tympanoplasty, a perforation in the ear drum is visualized (B). A tissue graft is placed over the perforation (C) and held in place by the existing ear drum (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Snoring Surgery
Heavy snorers have their air flow impeded by the structures at the back of the mouth and nose (A and B), which can be alleviated by surgery. In uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, the patient's uvula, soft palate, and tonsils are removed (C and D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Cricothyroidotomy
To perform a cricothyroidotomy, the surgeon makes an incision into the cricoid cartilage of the throat (B). The incision is held open while an endotracheal tube is inserted (C). The tube is secured in the trachea to maintain an airway for the patient (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Esophageal Atresia Repair
To repair esophageal atresia, an opening is cut into the chest (A). The two parts of the existing esophagus are identified (B). The lower esophagus is detached from the trachea (C) and connected to the upper part of the esophagus (D). The wound in the trachea is closed, and the chest incision is repaired. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Myringotomy and Ear Tubes
During a myringotomy, an incision is made into the ear drum, or tympanic membrane (B). The fluid in the ear canal is suctioned out (C), and a small tube is put in place to allow future drainage in the event of an infection (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)