Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Italy

Ear, nose, and throat, ENT for short or Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. Physicians who specialized in ENT are called otolaryngologists or ENT doctors and are qualified and trained in both the medical and surgical management of the following conditions:

• Conditions of the ear – ENT doctors can help with ear disorders or other issues, such as ear infections, hearing impairment, ear noise (tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, as well as facial and cranial nerve disorders. They can also manage congenital disorders (disorders that are present since birth) of the inner and outer ear. 
• Conditions of the nose – one of the primary skills of ENT doctors in the care of the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. They can diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, deviated septum, smell disorders, sinusitis, polyps, and nasal obstruction because of a deviated septum. They can also perform rhinoplasty surgery to correct the appearance of the nose.
• Conditions of the throat – disorders, and conditions that affect the throat, larynx (voice box), and the esophagus or upper aero-digestive tract can be diagnosed and treated by ENT doctors, including voice and swallowing disorders. 
• ENT-related conditions of the head and neck – ENT doctors are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, face, and neck. They can also manage problems with the nerves in these areas that control smelling, sight, hearing, and facial movements. In addition, they can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the head and neck area.

The procedures that ENT doctors perform include, but are not limited to:

• Tympanostomy
• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Stapedectomy
• Tympanomastoidectomy
• Laryngoplasty
• Esophagoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Microlaryngoscopy
• Septoplasty
• Nasal valve reconstruction
• Nasal fracture reduction
• Rhinoplasty
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Parotidectomy
• Neck mass biopsy
• Submandibular gland removal
• Airway reconstruction
• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
• Parathyroidectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Italy?

Your length of stay depends on your condition and the type of treatment you underwent. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you can leave the hospital immediately. However, it is advisable that you stay in Italy for at least 2 weeks or until your ENT doctor says it is safe to travel home. This is because the change in the aircraft’s cabin pressure can cause problems with the surgical site. During your stay, you also need to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor will remove the stitches (if necessary) and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your ENT doctor will give you a specific recovery timeline, including when you can resume your normal activity and return to work. In general, you need to avoid all activities that may increase blood pressure in your head area for at least 3 weeks. You also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ENT doctor will give you instructions on how to protect the health of your ear, nose, and throat, as well as how to prevent your disease from reoccurring or complications. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to attend regular checkups. In most cases, you have the choice to have regular checkups with your local doctor at home or with your ENT doctor in Italy.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of ENT has increased the success rate of ENT procedures. While there are no general statistics for all ENT procedures, most procedures are proven to be safe and highly successful. For example, the success rate of tympanoplasty is around 90%. Risks and side effects of ENT procedures depend on the specific procedure and the health status of the patient. All surgical procedures generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to ENT when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. However, depending on your condition, your ENT doctor may work with or refer you to a relevant specialist.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in and around Italy

Italy, a country in south-central Europe, boasts some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes in the world with the greatest collection of art treasures. The mere mention of Italy conjures up images of ancient Roman ruins, leaning tower of Pisa, stunning isles, rolling vineyards, and authentic cuisines. Besides its charming landscape, delicious food, and historical monuments, Italy is a popular spot for foreign patients to receive medical treatments. Its reputation for cutting-edge, high-quality treatment is growing rapidly. Although it is not the cheapest medical tourism destination, it is known for its highly qualified doctors and surgeons, as well as medical facilities that are equipped with the latest medical technology. Cosmetic surgery, hair transplant treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and cancer treatment are among the most popular treatments in the country.

Popular Parts of Italy

Rome, the capital of Italy, is the birthplace of Julius Caesar and is filled with Roman ruins, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Forum. It is also home to Vatican City, the beautiful Sistine Chapel, the romantic Trevi Fountain, and picturesque restaurants filled with great food. Venice, another popular city in the country, is famous for its canals, gondola rides, and St. Mark's Basilica. On the west coast of Italy, visitors can find the Cinque Terre, which consists of five dramatically located hamlets. It is dotted with steep vineyards, mountains, and beautiful beaches. The fashion capital of Italy is Milan, the ancient towns of Pompeii, Naples, and stunning Florence with its Renaissance art are also popular tourist destinations. 

Weather and Climate in Italy

Italy has a variable climate, so different areas can experience different weather. In general, the country has four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Summer has marvelous weather, with sunny days and warm nights. Autumn brings cooler temperatures to the country, while the winter can be chilly or freezing, depending on the area. In spring, the temperatures start to get warmer.

Getting around in Italy

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the main gateway airport in Italy. It connects the country with numerous domestic and international destinations, including London, Beijing, Paris, New York, and Moscow. Many international visitors fly to the Milan Malpensa International Airport as well. Transport in Italy is reasonably priced and efficient. An extensive network of domestic flights is available, making it the quickest and most convenient way to travel around. Trains cover many areas across the country and have frequent departures. There are also high-speed trains connecting major cities. Although buses are slower than trains, they are cheaper and covers areas not served by trains. All major cities have good transport systems, with the bus, metro, and tram networks. In Venice, the vaporetti (small passenger ferries) are the main public transport option. Taxis are widely available and are moderately priced.

Tourist Visas in Italy

Since Italy is part of the Schengen area, nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to visit regardless of their purpose and/or length of stay. Citizens of Canada, Australia, the US, Hong Kong, South Korea, the UAE, and several other countries do not need a visa to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption countries will need to apply for a visa before visiting.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The euro (€) is the official currency of Italy. The exchange rate from €1 is approximately US$1.17.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can be found easily throughout Italy, but make sure to be vigilant when making cash withdrawals in tourist areas since pickpocketing is common. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not expected. However, you can always tip an extra 10% to 15% for exceptional service.
3. Local Language: Italian is the official and most commonly spoken language in Italy. English is not widely spoken, except in larger cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Roman Catholicism makes up around 80% of the population. The other 20% is made up of Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. 
5. Public holidays: Italy mostly celebrates Christian holidays. Some of the most important are Epiphany, Pasquetta, Saints Day, Liberation Day, and Christmas.