What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

ENT Central

At ENT Central, we pride ourselves in providing exceptional Ear, Nose and Throat care to the people of Aotearoa.

Dr Basheeth is a highly skilled and experienced ENT Head & Neck Surgeon and is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care. Dr Basheeth is a highly skilled and experienced ENT Head & Neck Surgeon and is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.

27/08/2025

Cosmetic Central, based at ENT Central
Cosmetic surgery, also known as aesthetic surgery, is elective and focuses on enhancing a person's appearance through surgical or non-surgical techniques. Unlike reconstructive surgery, which aims to restore function or correct abnormalities caused by congenital defects, trauma, or medical conditions, cosmetic surgery primarily seeks to improve aesthetic appeal and symmetry.

The field of cosmetic surgery continues to evolve with advancements in surgical techniques, technology, and patient safety protocols, aiming to provide safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing results for patients seeking to enhance their physical appearance.

We offer state-of-the-art clinical procedures, advanced homecare, and professional treatments that can help you achieve long lasting comprehensive results. They are designed to improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging, and enhance overall facial appearance for both women and men, who are otherwise healthy and seeking to improve their appearance.

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/cosmetic-central/

25/08/2025

𝔻𝕪𝕤𝕡𝕙𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕒
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, a symptom that can arise from various medical conditions affecting the throat, oesophagus, or nerves and muscles involved in swallowing. It can affect people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and may range from mild discomfort to severe impairment.

Dysphagia may be caused by one or more of the following:

Structural causes like Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), oesophageal strictures, oesophageal rings, or webs or tumours.

Neurological causes like stroke, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

Muscular causes like achalasia, oesophageal spasm or myasthenia gravis.

Other causes like radiation therapy, scleroderma (connective tissue disorder that can affect the oesophagus) and Zenker's Diverticulum (a pouch that forms at the junction of the throat and oesophagus, trapping food).

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/dysphagia/

22/08/2025

𝚂𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚙𝚢
Sialendoscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat salivary gland disorders, including the removal of salivary stones. This minimally invasive and non-traumatic surgical technique involves the insertion of a small telescopic tube up the duct for both diagnosis and treatment of related conditions. Any uncalcified stones, polyps, mucosal plugs, stenosis or even foreign bodies normally missed by other imaging, can be accurately assessed through this technique.

Sialendoscopy Procedure - This involves introducing a miniature endoscope into the salivary duct and treating the pathology specific to the patient. This treatment is performed under local or general anaesthesia and as a day-case procedure. Multiple salivary glands can be approached in the same sitting. Your specialist will discuss whether a sialendoscopy is appropriate, how it may benefit you, and will go through the possible risks and relatively rare complications associated with the procedure.

20/08/2025

Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple (the laryngeal prominence in men). It consists of two lobes on either side of the windpipe (trachea) that are connected by a narrow band of tissue called the isthmus.

The primary function of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones that regulate various metabolic processes in the body. The main hormone produced by the thyroid gland is thyroxine, also known as T4. This hormone plays a crucial role in controlling the body's metabolism, which includes how the body uses energy and regulates temperature.

In addition to T4, the gland also produces triiodothyronine (T3), which is a more active form of thyroid hormone. These hormones are essential for normal growth and development, especially in children, and they influence almost all of the body's organs and tissues.

The production of thyroid hormones is regulated by the pituitary gland in the brain, which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroxine and triiodothyronine into the bloodstream.

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/thyroid/

15/08/2025

Head & Neck Skin Cancer
Skin cancer affecting the head and neck region, in New Zealand, is a significant health concern due to several contributing factors. The country's population includes a high proportion of individuals of European descent, particularly from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, who often have fair skin types that are more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. Additionally, the country experiences high levels of UV radiation from the sun, especially during the summer months, which increases the risk of skin cancer development, especially due to the prevalence of outdoor lifestyle.

Awareness of the risks is, however, increasing, especially in New Zealand and Australia, where rates are among the highest worldwide with approximately 250 cases per 100,000 people being reported. Prolonged exposure to sunlight remains the primary contributing factor to skin cancer development in this region.

Other risk factors for skin cancer in New Zealand include history of sunburns especially during childhood or adolescence; tanning bed exposure; personal or family history; immunosuppressive medications; and age with older people being more susceptible to the disease, however, skin cancer can affect people of any age.

The most common types of skin cancer affecting the head and neck include:

Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC)
Head & Neck Melanoma
Merkel Cell Carcinomas (rare)

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/head-and-neck-skin-cancer/

07/08/2025

The Neck
The neck is a complex structure that supports mobility, breathing, swallowing, and the protection of vital blood vessels and nerves. It connects the head to the torso and is made of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. More importantly, it houses vital organs including thyroid glands, salivary glands and lymph nodes. Disorders of the neck can vary widely and may affect any of these components.

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/head-and-neck/

05/08/2025

Larynx & Laryngology
The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is a part of the respiratory system located in the throat. It houses the vocal cords, which are essential for speech production. The space between the vocal cords is the glottis which opens and closes to regulate airflow and produce different sounds. The larynx also plays a crucial role in preventing food and liquids from entering the airway during swallowing. This is done with the help of the epiglottis which is a leaf-shaped flap-like cartilage that sits above the glottis.

Common laryngeal pathology includes voice and swallowing disorders, and laryngeal cancer. Laryngitis, vocal nodules, and polyps can affect the function of the larynx and impair speech; while damage or dysfunction of the larynx can lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and aspiration (food or liquids entering the airway). Tumours can also develop in the tissues of the larynx, often affecting speech and requiring surgical intervention.

The branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the larynx, is called laryngology. Laryngologists use special diagnostic tools to ascertain the problem:

Laryngoscopy - direct visualisation of the larynx using a flexible or rigid endoscope to assess structure and function

Videostroboscopy - specialised examination technique using strobe light to visualise vocal cord vibrations and assess mucosal wave patterns

Imaging Studies - CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound may be used to evaluate laryngeal anatomy and pathology

Voice Analysis - objective measurement of voice parameters to assess vocal function and monitor treatment outcome

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/voice-and-swallowing-problems/

01/08/2025

How to book an appointment

It's easy to book an appointment, you can fill out our online booking form below to schedule your appointment from the comfort of your own home.
https://www.entcentral.co.nz/book-an-appointment/

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you with scheduling your appointment at a time that is convenient for you.

0800 ENT DOC (368 362)
admin@entcentral.co.nz

24/07/2025

Coblation Tonsillectomy
COBLATION Technology (clicking this connects to coblation interactive pdf / opens on separate tab: https://mytonsils.com/) is a relatively low temperature surgical method to precisely remove tissue. COBLATION is an acronym for controlled ablation (or cold ablation) which is the process of size reduction using relative heat. Radiofrequency energy is used to create a plasma field of ionised particles within a conductive medium (such as saline solution). This plasma field gently and precisely dissolves tissue at low temperatures (typically below 70°C), minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue resulting in less pain after surgery. Longstanding methods like electrocautery, use high temperatures to cut and cauterize tissue, often leading to painful damage of nearby tissue. In comparison, thermal pe*******on of coblation-based devices is minimal with dissolution of target tissue taking place in a precise, gentle and controlled manner with no burning or charring of the nearby tissue. Coblation technology has been gaining ground in surgical applications in various branches including ENT. Some of them are: Turbinate Channeling and Sinus Surgery; and treatment of laryngeal lesions caused by HPV (no plume), tumours and stenosis, besides tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (low blood loss).

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/coblation-procedures/

21/07/2025

Snoring, OSA & Adenotonsillectomy
Adenotonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of both the adenoids (located at the back of the nasal cavity) and the tonsils (located at the back of the throat). It is commonly performed to alleviate various conditions affecting these structures, particularly in children experiencing sleep-related issues. A child affected with snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea needs to be evaluated first, to assess if their tonsils and adenoids are involved. A video of your child’s sleep may be brought in, to evaluate sleep quality, which will be helpful for the assessment.

They may exhibit signs such as frequent pauses in breathing during sleep and snoring every night. This is considered abnormal in children and warrants consideration for an adenotonsillectomy. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are more serious, and it is strongly advised that children with these symptoms undergo the surgical treatment to improve their sleep and overall health.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring the patient is unconscious and pain-free. Various techniques may be used, including cold knife dissection, electrocautery, coblation, or laser, with COBLATION adenotonsillectomy being the preferred choice from the perspective of optimally effective treatment. Typically, the procedure lasts about 30 minutes to an hour; however, this can vary.

Coblation Adenotonsillectomy combines the use of COBLATION Technology (clicking this opens on separate tab: https://mytonsils.com/) for both adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids) and tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils) in a single surgical session using the precise and controlled radiofrequency energy of Coblation. Application of Coblation Technology can also be seen in other treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) like Palatial Stiffening (CAUP), Tongue Base Channelling & Reduction, and ARIS Coblation Turbinoplasty.

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/coblation-procedures/

16/07/2025

Tonsils, Tonsillitis & Tonsillectomy
The tonsils - located at the sides of the throat along with the adenoids - are part of the lymphatic system which clears away infection and keeps body fluids in balance. These organs work by trapping the germs coming in through the mouth and nose. Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils and is common in children aged above two years, but very rare in adults.

Tonsillitis can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Symptoms include a sore throat on both sides, general malaise, bad breath, trouble swallowing, white/yellow coating on the tonsils, fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. These symptoms typically last for about a week.

Treatment for tonsillitis focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Pain relief measures and adequate hydration are recommended during acute episodes. Antibiotics are prescribed if bacterial tonsillitis is suspected or if symptoms do not improve.

Tonsillectomy the surgical removal of the tonsils, may be considered in cases where tonsillitis becomes recurrent or severe. Criteria for considering tonsillectomy include experiencing a certain number of episodes of tonsillitis in one or more years. Those who go through two episodes of peritonsillar abscess (or quinsy - a complication of tonsillitis where pus collects between the tonsils and the surrounding tissues) may also be considered for a tonsillectomy.

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/tonsils/

Address

187 Broadway Avenue
Palmerston North
4410

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

https://www.entcentral.co.nz/

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