Sinus Surgery

What is Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is a procedure aimed at improving the function of the sinuses, often performed to treat chronic sinusitis or other sinus problems that don't respond to medication. The most common form of sinus surgery is endoscopic sinus surgery, which is minimally invasive and involves the use of a small camera (endoscope) to guide the surgeon through the nasal passages.
When to consult a doctor for Sinus Surgery?
Diagnosis of sinus issues typically involves the following steps:
- Medical History and Symptoms: A doctor will ask about the duration, severity, and frequency of symptoms.
- Physical Examination: The nasal passages and throat are often examined using an endoscope or nasal speculum to look for signs of inflammation, polyps, or structural abnormalities.
- Imaging Tests: A CT scan or MRI may be ordered to get a detailed view of the sinuses and check for blockages, tumors, or structural problems.
- Nasal Culture: In some cases, a culture of the mucus may be taken to determine the presence of bacterial or fungal infections.
You should consult a doctor if:
- Symptoms Last More Than 12 Weeks: If you have had chronic sinusitis or infections that persist despite treatment.
- Recurrent Sinus Infections: If you experience multiple episodes of sinusitis in a year despite antibiotics or other treatments.
- Difficulty Breathing: If nasal blockages, polyps, or a deviated septum make it hard to breathe through your nose.
- Frequent Headaches or Facial Pain: Constant pressure or pain in the sinus area that doesn't improve with medication.
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Causes
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Recurrent Sinus Infections
- Nasal Polyps
- Deviated Septum
- Sinus Tumors or Growths
Symptoms
- Facial Pain or Pressure
- Nasal Congestion
- Discolored Nasal Discharge
- Reduced Sense of Smell and Taste
- Postnasal Drip
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery varies, but most people return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Complete healing inside the sinuses may take several weeks, and follow-up care is essential to monitor progress and prevent infection.
In some cases, sinus surgery may need to be repeated if sinusitis recurs or if there are structural changes. However, for most patients, one surgery is sufficient.
The most common approach is endoscopic sinus surgery, a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon inserts an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) through the nose to visualize and remove blockages. Other surgical options include balloon sinuplasty or traditional open surgery for more complex cases.