Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

head-and-neck-surgery-la-peer-healthWhen medications and nasal sprays have failed, sinus surgery can help many patients suffering from sinus conditions find pain relief and better breathing. Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is the new standard for sinus surgery and is 85-90 percent effective for the majority of patients.

With sinusitis affecting more than thirty million Americans every year, the Los Angeles physicians of La Peer Health Systems aims to provide patients with relief through image guided endoscopic sinus surgery. This minimally invasive outpatient surgery can help reduce your pain and suffering from various sinus and nasal ailments that have been plaguing patients for quite some time.

What Is Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery was once performed via external incisions on the face and in the mouth. It also required extensive nasal packing following surgery. However, many advancements have helped transform endoscopic sinus surgery into a seamless procedure for patients around the world. La Peer has the technology to offer a much more minimally invasive and streamlined process where the surgery can be performed by inserting an endoscope through the nose without making any incisions on the face.

Endoscopic sinus surgery helps an individual remove blockages in the sinuses. The surgery involves the removal of diseased or obstructive sinus tissue. Ultimately, the surgery enables a person to improve natural sinus drainage.

Sinus surgery enables a person to relieve symptoms associated with sinusitis, a condition that causes swelling of the sinus mucous membranes. It also may be used to address symptoms associated with septal deviations and nasal polyps.

Additionally, common goals of sinus surgery include:

  • Enhanced airflow through the nose
  • Improved sense of smell
  • Reduced number and severity of sinus infections

The nasal endoscope used for our Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is placed into the nostril to access the sinuses with a tiny camera connected to a video screen to guide the surgeon. The nasal endoscope camera allows your surgeon to see exactly what needs to be repaired or removed and provides the physician with a magnified image of your nasal cavity for extreme precision throughout the entire operation.

A board certified ENT in Los Angeles will always perform image guided endoscopic sinus surgery for patients of La Peer Health Systems.

What Can Be Treated with Sinus Surgery?

The use of image guided endoscopic sinus surgery is relevant to treat several different conditions or diseases of the sinus cavity. If you suffer from sinus problems, it’s always best to schedule a consultation with an ENT in Los Angeles to decide upon the best course of treatment and action for your unique procedure.

In the past, our doctors have used image guided endoscopic sinus surgery to treat all of the following, including but not limited to:

  • Sinusitis
  • Nasal or sinus tumors
  • Nasal Polyps
  • Nasal Obstruction

Sinusitis is inflammation in the tissue lining the sinuses. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, an infection can occur. The common cold, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and a deviated septum can cause acute sinusitis, while chronic sinusitis may be caused by an infection or growth. When sinusitis cannot be remedied with medications or nasal decongestants, sinus surgery may be necessary.

Nasal or sinus tumors, either benign or cancerous, can be caused by smoking, exposure to dusts from wood, leather and textiles, and inhaling toxic vapors. Avoiding these respiratory hazards can help reduce the risk of developing sinus or nasal tumors. Endoscopic surgery can remove the tumor and help prevent the spreading of the mass or cancer.

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, benign growths on the inside lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are the result of chronic inflammation in the sinuses, due to asthma, chronic infections, allergies, certain medications, and immune disorders. Sinus surgery can remove nasal polyps before they increase in growth and cause discomfort or become visible.

A nasal obstruction is a blockage in the nose or nasal cavity, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including a deviated nasal septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, bodies in the nose, large adenoids, swelling of the nasal lining from allergies, choanal atresia, and pyriform aperture stenosis. When medications fail, nasal obstructions can be shrunk and removed during surgery.

There are other sinus conditions that are treated with different types of nasal surgeries. These include:

  • Deviated Nasal Septum which is treated with Septoplasty Surgery.
  • Septoplasty surgery realigns a portion of the bone or cartilage in the nasal cavity to create an even
  • nasal septum.
  • Turbinate tissue causing nasal obstruction and decreased airflow is treated with Turbinate Surgery by removing turbinate tissue in the nose.
  • Chronic sinus problems and inflamed sinuses are treated with Balloon Sinuplasty. The balloon sinuplasty enlarges the inflamed sinus opening to help treat a variety of sinus issues and improve breathing for patients.

The doctors of La Peer Health Systems encourage you to schedule a consultation with our surgeons to better understand how we can help you breathe better and improve your overall quality of life with image guided endoscopic sinus surgery.

Benefits of Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The benefits that go along with image guided endoscopic sinus surgery are vast. Patients often feel that because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, image guided endoscopic sinus surgery allows them to heal more quickly than other surgical options. Other benefits include:

  • No External Scarring
  • Reduced Pain
  • Shorter Recovery Time
  • Higher Success Rates
  • Reduced sinus headaches and infections
  • Reduced facial pain and pressure
  • Enhanced quality of life
  • Improved quality of sleep

Prior to endoscopic sinus surgery, a doctor will meet with a patient to determine if he or she is a viable candidate for treatment. If a patient qualifies for sinus surgery, a doctor will outline the benefits associated with treatment and explain all aspects of the procedure. That way, a patient can make an informed sinus surgery decision.

To learn about other benefits of image guided endoscopic sinus surgery to treat sinusitis and other ailments, contact La Peer health systems today to schedule your initial consultation with an ENT in Los Angeles.

What to Expect Before & After Surgery

A doctor allocates time and resources to help a patient prepare for endoscopic sinus surgery. Typically, he or she prescribes several medications to help a patient reduce inflammation. A patient should follow a doctor’s prescription medication recommendations closely and use these medications at the appropriate times before treatment.

Also, a doctor requests a patient receive medical clearance from his or her primary care physician prior to treatment. He or she requires a note from a patient’s doctor, and a patient may need to undergo a physical examination before surgery.

Smoking may interfere with the outcome of sinus surgery. As such, a doctor requests a patient stop smoking for at least three to four weeks before surgery. He or she also asks a patient to avoid smoking for at least one month following treatment.

Certain medications may increase a patient’s risk of bleeding during and after surgery, and these medications should be avoided. For instance, a patient may need to temporarily stop taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), herbal medications and anticoagulation medicines before surgery.

A doctor may recommend a patient pick up various over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for use after surgery. He or she will provide full details about any OTC medications that a patient should purchase.

A patient should not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before surgery. A doctor will let a patient know if he or she can take certain medications the morning of surgery. If medications are required, they should be taken with small sips of water.

Sinus surgery is completed with general anesthesia, and a patient is asleep during the procedure. It usually takes a few hours to recover after surgery, and most patients can return home the same day as treatment.

Recovery from Sinus Surgery

Following sinus surgery, sinus congestion can be expected, along with minor sinus headaches and potentially a small amount of blood from the nose. Patients should plan to take about two weeks off from work and other social responsibilities to recover, depending on the physical demands of your lifestyle. Sinus surgery can be performed under general or local anesthesia and patients can typically go home the same day as their procedure. Sinus pain after surgery is usually not significant, and nasal packing is often not needed.

Sinus surgery can take several months to fully show the benefits for patients and allow the sinuses to completely recover.

Like any surgery, there are potential risks associated with endoscopic sinus surgery. These risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Vision changes
  • Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
  • Nasal breathing changes
  • Changes in sense of smell

Complications post sinus surgery are not common. Bleeding during surgery can be treated with nasal packing, and sinus infections can easily be treated with specific antibiotics. Risks involving anesthesia are rare.

Complications post sinus surgery are not common, but can include excessive bleeding, infection, and risk with the anesthesia. Bleeding during surgery can be treated with nasal packing, and sinus infections can easily be treated with specific antibiotics. Risks involving anesthesia are rare.

Frequent returns to the doctor will be required following sinus surgery to ensure everything is progressing as it should. Your doctor will examine your nose and sinuses with an endoscope and you can expect to have your nose and sinuses cleaned out at each visit.

Patients can reduce any complications after surgery by following closely the post-operative care instructions given from their doctor. Sinus irrigation using sterile saline solution is often an important part of post sinus surgery care, along with sleeping with your head elevated for 2-3 nights following the procedure. Patients should also avoid blowing their nose for 7-10 days after the surgery, along with heavy exercise and contact sports 3-4 weeks post-surgery.

In many instances, the recovery period after surgery takes about three to five days. A doctor may prescribe medications to help a patient alleviate pain. He or she also asks a patient to avoid any strenuous activities at this time.

A doctor will provide a patient with in-depth instructions to ensure optimal treatment results following surgery. He or she wants to do everything possible to help a patient realize the full benefits of treatment. Thus, a doctor is ready to respond to a patient’s concerns or questions at any time during the recovery period, too.

Contact an Experienced ENT in Los Angeles Today

La Peer Health Systems houses southern California’s elite Ear, Nose, & Throat physicians who are experts in the field of treating sinusitis with image guided endoscopic sinus surgery. If you think that you may be a good candidate for the procedure, please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with a board certified ENT, during which you’ll learn about the best treatment options for your unique situation.

For more information on sinus surgery treatment options at La Peer, visit our Revision Sinus Surgery site.

Other Articles Related to Sinus Surgery

Deviated Septum, Chronic Sinusitis, and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall separating your right and left nostrils becomes displaced to one side. Individuals are either born with or acquire a deviated septum as a result of an injury, such as a broken nose. The deviation of the septum into the nasal passageway can lead to nasal obstruction, the most common symptom of this problem, and difficulty breathing. Additionally, it can also block nasal drainage, making sufferers more susceptible to sinus infections, especially chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis treatment not only consists of antibiotics but also may require sinus surgery, specifically endoscopic sinus surgery or its advanced form—image guided endoscopic sinus surgery, combined with septoplasty (repair of the deviated septum).

Sinus Surgery and Septoplasty for a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is malalignment of the bone and cartilage that divide the nose in half and can be congenital (a person is born with the problem) or the result of trauma (e.g., breaking your nose). It is estimated almost 80% of the population have a slightly crooked nasal septum. Nasal obstruction, the sensation of reduced air flow either through one nostril (unilateral) or both nostrils (bilateral), is the most commonly reported symptom of a deviated septum. Complications of a deviated septum may include frequent nosebleeds, sleep apnea, sinus infections, or even facial paralysis. The only definitive treatment for a deviated septum is septoplasty (surgical repair of the septum) with or without sinus surgery or the next generation image guided sinus surgery.

Botox and Sinus Infections

Botulinum toxin, better known as Botox®, injections have a variety of on-label and off-label medical applications. Everyone is familiar with Botox’s cosmetic application to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Other medical uses of Botox include treatment of migraine headaches, facial paralysis, muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and lazy eye (amblyopia). Unfortunately, Botox injections into the face come very close to the sinuses, sometimes causing inflammation and subsequent sinus infections (sinusitis). Combined with a pre-existing condition such as allergies or a deviated septum, the sinusitis could potentially become chronic and require sinusitis treatment such as antibiotics and sinus surgery. Over the years, sinus surgery has evolved and is now performed with no facial incisions through an endoscope (endoscopic sinus surgery).

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Sinusitis Treatment

Over the years, sinus surgery has undergone many advancements. Instead of unsightly incisions and scars on the face or mouth, the majority of sinus surgery is now performed through a small instrument (an endoscope) with no need for facial or mouth incisions. Other benefits of sinus endoscopy include minimal nasal packing, minimal pain, and quick recovery. Endoscopic sinus surgery is most commonly used as a chronic (> 3 months) sinusitis treatment, but it can also be used to treat nasal polyps and tumors of the nasal and sinus cavities. Recent advances have allowed for even more precise treatment with image guided endoscopic sinus surgery.

Ambulatory Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery has enjoyed a swell of popularity, as of late, has become a very common ambulatory, also known as outpatient or same day or ambulatory, surgery worldwide. This means no hospitalization is required and you go home to recover immediately after the surgery. Sinus surgery has become more refined and can be performed through a tiny tube with a camera/light source in the tip placed directly in the nostril. This technique is referred to as endoscopic sinus surgery, and its benefits include less nasal packing, less pain, and quicker recovery than traditional nasal surgery. Other popular ambulatory surgeries/procedures include knee and shoulder reconstruction, placement of gastric balloons, and high-intensity focal ultrasound for prostate cancer.

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