Is Sinuplasty Right For You?

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What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The goal of surgery is to improve sinus functions by removing the blockage and draining the mucus. This can be done through removing:

Infected, swollen, or damaged tissue.
Bone, to create a wider opening for drainage of mucus from the sinuses.
Polyps (or growths) inside the nose or sinuses.
A foreign object that is blocking a nasal or sinus passage (normally in children)

Surgery may be the only means of getting an infected or badly blocked sinus to drain properly. But surgery may not completely eliminate sinusitis. Some people may need a second operation.

What you can expect from Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery may be done under general anesthesia.

Sinus surgery on average takes 1 to 1 ½ hours and depends on the procedure.

The surgery involves the use of a small telescope (nasal endoscope) that is inserted through the nostril to view your nose and sinuses.

The endoscope will help identify the channels that connect the sinuses to the nose, enlarge these narrow openings/channels, and improve the drainage from the sinuses into the nose.

There are four sinuses on each side of the face. (total of eight sinuses)

Maxillary - located in the cheek

Symptoms of a maxillary sinus infection can appear suddenly, resolve on their own, or can become chronic and require treatment. Sinusitis is when your sinus becomes infected, or irritated from allergy. Symptoms of maxillary sinus infection can mimic toothache or migraine headache.

Ethmoid - located between the eyes

When the sinuses become inflamed or infected, the mucus thickens and clogs the openings to one or more sinuses. Fluid builds up inside the sinuses causing increased pressure. Also bacteria can become trapped, multiply and infect the lining. This is sinusitis and can be chronic, long-lasting or frequently returning, or acute.

Sphenoid - located in center of the head

Sphenoid accounts for more than 50% of bacterial acute sinusitis. The main symptom of sinusitis is a throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeball, which is made worse by bending forwards. Infection in this area can cause earache, neck pain, or an ache behind the eyes, at the top of the head, or in the temples. In addition, drainage of mucus from the sphenoid down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat and can irritate the membranes lining the larynx.

Frontal - in the forehead

Your frontal sinuses are a pair of small, air-filled cavities located just behind your eyes in the brow region. Excess mucus production or inflammation of the frontal sinuses can prevent this mucus from draining properly, resulting in a condition called acute frontal sinusitis. Risk factors for acute frontal sinusitis include frequent colds, allergic reactions, smoking tobacco products, enlarged adenoids (tonsils), weak immune system, fungal infections, and structural differences in the sinus cavities that impact drainage ability.

Janet H

I have nothing but praise for this practice, from the receptionist to the professionals. I am always treated as if I was the only patient there. Everyone is patient with you, kind and willing to answer any questions. The doctor is not happy until you are happy and works with you to solve your needs.

After Your Procedure

Generally, postoperative discomfort, congestion, and drainage should improve after the first few days, with mild symptoms sometimes lingering several weeks after the surgery.

Medications such as saline rinses, nasal steroid sprays, and possibly antibiotics may be prescribed.

The recovery period will vary depending on the surgery performed and the individual patient. Many people do not have much pain after sinus surgery, but every patient is different.

The cost of this procedure depends on your insurance coverage and you should check with your insurance company about the extent of your coverage.

Syracuse Sinus Center