Sinus surgery is recommended for patients that experience chronic infection, inflammation, and obstruction in the cavities around the nasal passages (sinuses). The surgeons at Dallas ENT Group combined have performed more than 5,000 endoscopic sinus cases and balloon sinuplasty procedures.
Chronic sinusitis is the inflammation and blockage of the sinus cavities. This obstruction or blockage interferes with drainage and causes the mucus to build up within the cavity. This common condition is also referred to as chronic rhino sinusitis. Patients may have chronic bacterial infections; but frequently, the chronic sinusitis is a result of persistent inflammation or swelling of the nasal tissue. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing through the nose with associated facial pressure, dental pain, and headaches.
The inflammation of the nasal tissue may initially be caused by an infection; but later by persistent inflammation resulting in a benign growth in the nasal airway and sinuses referred to as a nasal polyp. It is not uncommon for the patient to experience a deviated nasal septum and enlarged turbinates.
Most patients experience recurrent episodes of infections with mucopurulent (yellow- green nasal drainage) frequently treated by their primary care physician with antibiotics and possibly steroids. However, patients with chronic sinusitis generally have symptom’s lasting 8 weeks or longer. It is not uncommon for the patient to experience a cough and pulmonary problems as a result of the aspiration into the trachea and lungs that have a small amount of the bacterial drainage. Reduced sense of smell and taste may occur as well as aching and discomfort in the upper jaw and teeth.
Sinus Surgery Evaluation and Treatment
Evaluation is completed by one of the surgeons at Dallas ENT Group through a careful history and examination of the nose. This is frequently done with the use of a lighted endoscope to examine the areas high in the nasal cavity. Completion of the evaluation involves obtaining a CT scan of the sinuses- usually able to be obtained the same day as the original appointment. Once the surgeon evaluates the CT scan, a definitive plan for the patient is determined.
What To Expect From Sinus Surgery
For extensive thickening of the nasal cavities, an endoscopic surgical procedure is performed without any external facial incisions. This is frequently performed using an instrument called the “Brain LAB” image-guided sinus system.
The image-guided system allows precise removal of the tissue while virtually eliminating the complications that had been associated with endoscopic sinus surgery in the past, including spinal fluid leak and visual loss.
The endoscope is a 4-mm lighted tube. The endoscope and small instruments allow precise removal while minimizing tissue damage. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, usually as an outpatient procedure.
Immediately After Sinus Surgery
A follow-up for the endoscopic sinus surgery occurs at 2-3 weeks in which the endoscopic may be used again to remove more tissue. The patient may need to return for 3-4 postoperative visits to debride, or remove, the crusting or scarring that occurs following the procedure.
Postoperative instructions are available on this website through this link.