What Does Sinus Surgery Treat?

Sinus surgery is the method used to help to treat sinusitis and sinus pain. When the pain in your sinuses becomes too much and no longer responds to medication or regular treatment, you may turn to your ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor and discuss whether you are a candidate for sinus surgery. An ear, nose and throat specialist can work with you to ensure that your sinus issues are under control.

If you have been diagnosed with an issue with your sinuses, an ENT doctor will take you through sinus surgery.

Reasons for undergoing sinus surgery

There are ways that sinus surgery can treat, but it will take assessments with your ENT doctor to ensure that you are getting the sinus surgery for the correct reasons. So, what are some of the things that sinus surgery can treat:

• Chronic sinusitis is often treated with surgery, especially if you have been undergoing medical treatment lasting more than three months. You shouldn’t have to be in pain any longer than you already have been.
• There is a fungal infection that has caused sinus disease.
• Deviated septum can cause structural abnormalities of the nose and the sinuses and those dealing with this are candidates for sinus surgery.
• You have nasal or sinus polyps.
• A sinus infection spread to the bones before it has got under control

Types of sinus surgery

Any of these situations can mean that your ENT will recommend sinus surgery. There are different types of sinus surgery to consider, too, and these include:

• Functional endoscopic surgery: This procedure uses an endoscope – a lit tube with a camera – to move down the sinuses and nose. This is used to remove any obstructive tissue, clear out your sinuses and make moves to enlarge any openings that require drainage if needed. It’s a common procedure and your ENT doctor will take you through the need behind it as well as how common it is
• A balloon sinuplasty is a procedure done with a catheter and a small inflatable balloon. This is inserted into the sinus and is used to inflate to open the sinuses a little more. Most sinus issues are dealt with a balloon sinuplasty, and it’s a relatively straightforward procedure.
• Open sinus surgery is an option and your ENT doctor will discuss it with you if it comes up. It’s usually used to deal with the most complicated cases of chronic sinusitis. Incisions are made right over the sinus to allow it to be opened up and worked on. The ENT doctor can then remove any diseased or infected tissues and reconstruct the sinus as a result.

Sinus surgery aftercare is a must and it’s one of the most important steps. Many patients will revisit their ENT doctor if they need specialist examinations and cleaning, too. Your ENT doctor can help you here and help you to make the best choice.