Sinus surgery
Sinus surgery is used to address a variety of diseases that affect the sinuses, which are a series of chambers surrounding the nasal passages. There are various forms, but functional endoscopic sinus surgery is the most prevalent.
The sinus system is commonly thought of as the channels behind your nose. However, there are also sinus cavities behind your forehead and eyes. The average person has eight sinus chambers. If sinus surgery has been recommended for you, stay reading to learn what to expect.
What is sinus surgery?
Sinus surgery aims to open the sinuses, remove blockages, and restore natural drainage.
What is the point of having sinus surgery?
Problems with the sinus system can include a thicker lining, polyps (growths), or recurring infections. Some people are born with sinuses that are not formed typically. All of these conditions might lead to respiratory problems. Sinus surgery is sometimes the best treatment for sinus disorders.
Types of Sinus surgery
There are several types of sinus surgery:
- Endoscopic functional surgery
- Turbinate reduction surgery (typically performed in conjunction with another treatment, such as septoplasty)
- Balloon sinuplasty surgery (also known as sinus ostial dilatation surgery)
- Polypectomy
How to prepare for Sinus Surgery
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided for a week before sinus surgery.
People should not be off drugs for too long following some procedures, such as a coronary stent. Ask the surgeon how long you should be off your drugs to be safe.
Begin irrigating the nasal passages with a saline rinse. You should also make arrangements for transportation to and from your procedure. You cannot drive home except in balloon sinuplasty, performed without general anaesthesia.
Procedures for sinus surgery
The following stages are taken during a pilonidal sinus surgery procedure:
- You will either be given local or general anaesthetic.
- A small telescope will be put into your sinuses so the surgeon can see what's going on as they work.
- The doctor will surgically remove obstructions, bone fragments, or polyps from your sinuses.
- You may feel pressure or hear the doctor removing items from your nasal system while under local anaesthetic. This sounds like the noise you could listen to at the dentist when having a cavity filled.
- To control post-surgery bleeding, the surgeon may pack the area with light absorbable packing at the end of a functional endoscopic surgery. They may also place a stent to retain anti-inflammatory drugs on the affected area for a few weeks following the treatment.
During some sinus procedures, a tiny balloon widens the sinuses. Your doctor may also recommend fixing the orientation of your septum during the process, depending on the structure of your sinuses. This can make it easier for you to breathe after you've healed.
Complications and hazards associated with sinus surgery
Sinus surgery, like any surgical operation, has dangers.
Severe consequences from sinus surgery are uncommon. According to research, minor complications occur in approximately 5% of instances, while significant difficulties occur in only 1% of cases.
They are as follows:
- Severe bruising
- Vision issues and eye trauma
- Loss of smell
- Skull injury and leak in brain fluid
- Headache
- A fever can suggest an infection.
- Recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) when the primary cause is being addressed
Following your doctor's recommendations can reduce your chance of complications after surgery. You should also monitor your activity levels over the next three weeks.
