When Do You Need Sinus Surgery?

Sinus Surgery with La Peer Health Center in Beverly HillsSinus surgery offers a safe, effective treatment to address various chronic sinus or nasal issues. Some of the reasons why a person may receive sinus surgery include:

  • Chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the cavities around the nasal passages)
  • Sinus or nasal polyps
  • Sinus disease that occurs due to a fungal infection
  • Sinus infection that spreads to bone
  • Sinus cancer

An otolaryngologist, aka an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, may recommend medical therapy for those who are dealing with chronic sinus or nasal problems. However, if medical therapy fails to deliver the desired results, an ENT doctor may recommend sinus surgery.

Types of Sinus Surgery

Common types of sinus surgery include:

  • Septoplasty Surgery: Corrects and straightens a deviated nasal septum (separation of the bone and cartilage that divide the nasal cavity in half). During septoplasty surgery, an otolaryngologist realigns a portion of the bone or cartilage in the nasal cavity. In some instances, a septoplasty is also performed in conjunction with a cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure.
  • Turbinate Surgery: Removes the turbinate tissue in the nose. Turbinates that become too large may make it difficult for air to pass through the nose. In this instance, turbinate surgery may be used to treat a nasal obstruction, resulting in increased airflow.
  • Balloon Sinuplasty: Relieves chronic sinus problems that cannot be corrected with medication, nasal spray or other traditional sinus treatments. A balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, and it is usually performed in an office and under local anesthesia. During the procedure, an otolaryngologist uses a small, flexible balloon catheter to increase the size of a patient’s inflamed sinus opening. He or she then opens up a patient’s blocked sinus passageways.

An otolaryngologist requests a patient evaluation before he or she recommends a sinus surgery. That way, an otolaryngologist can meet with a patient, learn about his or her medical history and sinus symptoms and offer a personalized treatment recommendation.

What Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery may be used to remove sinus blockages that can cause sinusitis, as well as sinus pain, nasal drainage and impaired breathing. The procedure often helps patients reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections and improve airflow through the nostrils. It also helps patients improve their sense of smell and alleviate their sinusitis symptoms.

Some vitamins, herbal remedies and medications may increase an endoscopic sinus surgery patient’s risk of bleeding. As such, an otolaryngologist may ask a patient to avoid certain supplements or medications prior to endoscopic sinus surgery. Also, an otolaryngologist may ask a patient to take antibiotics and/or steroids prior to treatment.

An endoscopic sinus surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. During an endoscopic sinus surgery, an otolaryngologist inserts an endoscope (a small, thin camera lens) into the nostrils; this allows an otolaryngologist to visualize and magnify the sinus tissue. An otolaryngologist

 

then uses specialized instruments to remove nasal polyps, scar tissue and natural blockages in the nostrils. If necessary, an otolaryngologist can remove turbinates during an endoscopic sinus surgery, too.

Endoscopic sinus surgery does not require any incisions; instead, the procedure is performed exclusively through the nostrils. Additionally, most patients can return home the same day as treatment.

There are minimal side effects associated with endoscopic sinus surgery. Some patients experience postoperative discomfort, congestion and drainage after surgery, but these problems generally disappear on their own within a few days of treatment.

An endoscopic sinus surgery provides a viable option to treat sinus blockages, and recent research indicates most patients experience significant improvement following endoscopic sinus surgery. For those who find traditional treatments fail to address their sinus blockages, meeting with an otolaryngologist may be ideal. An otolaryngologist can determine if a patient is a good candidate for endoscopic sinus surgery and help this individual permanently address his or her sinus problems.

Schedule a Sinus Surgery Consultation at La Peer Health Systems

The otolaryngologists at La Peer Health Systems can teach patients about sinus surgery and provide personalized sinus surgery treatment recommendations. To find out more, please contact us today at 855.360.9119 to schedule a consultation with one of our friendly, knowledgeable otolaryngologists.