Today’s Most Common Sinus Surgeries
Sinus symptoms, whether they’ve been with you as long as you can remember or they’re a newer development, make life uncomfortable. Congestion, pressure, pain, disturbed sleep, low energy – these are just a few of the ways sinus problems affect people’s lives. For some, over-the-counter medication is enough to get through the day. But why continue to manage when you could address the underlying cause?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Advancements in the field of otolaryngology have led to minimally invasive procedures that are both safe and effective. At the Charleston Sinus Center, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists offer personalized treatment recommendations for long-term relief.
Depending on each patient’s unique case, common treatment options usually include:
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
- Balloon Sinuplasty
- Nasal Polypectomy
- Septoplasty
- Turbinate Reduction
Also simply referred to as FESS, this procedure is ideal for treating chronic sinusitis. It gets its name from the endoscope, which is a small fiberoptic tube the ENT inserts through the nostrils for viewing. With a tiny camera attached to the end of the endoscope to provide a high-resolution view, they can open up all of the sinuses without making any external incisions on the nose. During the operation, special instruments are used to carefully remove obstructions that are preventing sinus drainage.
Because there are no external incisions and the recovery period is generally short, FESS is a great option when medicines haven’t worked. Patients usually return to work and do daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks, though they should be careful not to overexert themselves. Dr. Joseph Russell says it’s in a patient’s best interest to avoid exercise, even if moderate, for a couple of weeks after the procedure, or until cleared in a follow-up appointment.
When You Should See an ENT
While many people report sinusitis improving on its own, there are cases where care from an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist is necessary. This is especially so whenever symptoms are not improving after one week, green/yellow mucus is present, or there is unbearable pain and swelling. These are indicators that a bacterial infection may have started, or another condition that requires medical intervention.
To get started on the path toward recovery, reach out to The Charleston Sinus Center and schedule a consultation with one of our experts. They recognize that every patient is unique and requires full attention. It starts with an examination and a discussion about the best course of action. So, take a step toward conquering your sinusitis by calling 843-863-1188.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty is highly effective at treating chronic sinus inflammation caused by backed-up mucus. Dr. Russell especially recommends it for patients who suffer from recurring sinus infections and headaches.
The ENT begins the procedure by inserting an endoscope, providing access to the treatment area without making any external incisions. Then, a catheter is inserted. It has a tiny deflated balloon at the end, which will be placed in the targeted sinus’s opening. Once in position, the balloon is gently inflated, which widens the opening and improves mucus drainage. Most patients report a significant decrease in the occurrence of sinus infections and sinus pain. Balloon Sinuplasty is also championed for its short recovery time, with many patients resuming daily activities in a handful of days following the procedure.
Nasal Polypectomy
Sometimes, the culprit turns out to be nasal polyps. These are little noncancerous growths that form along the lining of the nose. They grow in response to inflammation, and if they grow large enough, they can contribute to mucus blockage. This leads to sinus pressure, which is the cause for many patients’ headaches.
To begin a polypectomy, the ENT closely examines the nasal interior with an endoscope. Again, no external incisions are made on the nose. With specialized equipment, the ENT carefully excises the growth while preserving healthy tissue. Because the procedure involves an increased number of internal incisions where the polyps are attached, patients are recommended to rest for 1-2 weeks so the treated areas can fully heal. Once recovered, patients should notice improved airflow and greatly reduced frequency of sinus symptoms.
Septoplasty
The wall that separates the nostrils is called the septum. Roughly 80% of Americans have deviation to some degree, causing the wall to shift to either side. While some people are born with a deviated septum, other cases stem from injury or over-growth. Affected patients often report difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, alongside chronic congestion and snoring.
During septoplasty, the ENT creates incisions within the nostrils, so scarring is not visible externally. Then they carefully reshape or remove any obstructing cartilage. Sutures, splints, and packing are used to keep the results in place through the recovery process. After two weeks, patients are able to perform mild activities and return to their routines. When the splints are removed 1 week after surgery, nasal breathing is easier and quieter than before. Many patients have remarked to Dr. Russell that they wonder why they didn’t do the procedure sooner.
Turbinate Reduction
The turbinates are structures within the nose that filter and humidify air before it enters the lungs. As such, they’re quite important, but allergies might cause them to swell up and work against you, triggering inflammation and restricting airflow. If this happens frequently, reducing the size of the turbinates could provide long-term relief.
There are different ways to go about this procedure. At the Charleston Sinus Center, a small incision is made at the front of the turbinate. Then a special instrument is used to remove and extract approximately half of the structure. By leaving some behind, function is preserved while space is made inside the nose for improved airflow. This is a very straightforward surgery that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, or in the operating room under general anesthesia.
Learn About More Sinus Surgeries
While these are some of the most common surgeries for chronic sinus problems, they aren’t the only options available. The Charleston Sinus Center offers far more treatments to meet everyone’s unique needs, and specialists may recommend additional treatments depending on the severity of a patient’s condition. To learn more about the process or to schedule a consultation, call 843-863-1188 or complete an online consult form.