(The text and photographs on this page are fully copyrighted and may not be either linked or printed for distribution without the express written permission of the Wide Smiles administrative staff.)

Erika's 3rd Surgery

Erika's third surgery was in the summer of 2002 when she was 5 years old. It was to close an alveolar fistula and to widen her left nostril.

This is Erika before her surgery.

 

 

Erika several days after her surgery.

A close-up of Erika's face after the surgery.

 

Erika's Nasal Endoscopy

Erika has a nasal endoscopy in August 2004 when she was 7 years old.  Erika asked that her dad take these pictures so that other kids who need to have this done will be able to see what it is like. She is pictured with her mom, Charlotte.

First the ENT sprayed a numbing spray into Erika's nostril.

Next he used a cotton swab to apply another numbing gel to the inside of her nostril.

Erika's speech language pathologist (SLP) talks to Erika to explain the procedure while her ENT prepares the endoscope behind her and out of her view.

The ENT comes from behind and slowly inserts the tube that contains the camera.  We look up at a television to see the neat images of the inside of her nose. Erika thought it was so cool to see the inside of her nose and throat this way!

 

Erika's SLP has Erika repeat words while we record the images of her palate moving. You can see the light inside Erika's mouth from the camera. Erika said this part wasn't bad at all.

A photo of the computer screen image of her palate while Erika says her words.

Back to Erika's Main Page

Gallery Index | Wide Smiles Main Page