Antibiotics and other medical treatments can successfully treat most cases of sinus problems without the need for surgery. Most people undergo sinus surgery when nonsurgical treatments fail to correct the problem. Sinus surgery involves removing inflamed tissue, bone and obstructions that block the natural drainage of nasal secretions. Like all surgeries, sinus surgery may have complications. The risk for developing complications depends on the severity of the obstruction and the presence of an infection.
Vision Problems
The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reports the possibility of double vision and a loss of vision occurring after ethmoid sinus surgery. Vision loss can occur from blood leaking into the orbital portion of the eye area. It can also happen if the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information to the brain, sustains damage during the surgery. Inflammation and swelling may develop around the eye area as a result of a chronic sinus infection or from the surgery itself. The swelling can apply pressure to the eye, causing visual disturbances. The loss of vision usually involves only one eye, and the restoration of normal vision in the affected eye depends upon the extent of damage.
Facial Numbness
Temporary facial numbness in the front upper teeth, lip or nose may occur after sinus surgery, but it usually resolves on its own, states the American Rhinologic Society. The surgery can cause inflammation and swelling in the sinuses. The swelling can put pressure on the facial nerves, resulting in numbness.
Voice Alteration
The structures within the sinuses affect the quality and tone of the voice. Altering the structures of the sinuses through surgery can affect how the voice sounds. People, especially vocal professionals, should realize that their voices may change if they decide to undergo sinus surgery.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak
According to the Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Corpus Christi, all operations performed on the ethmoid sinus area can result in a chance of cerebrospinal fluid leaking, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The ethmoid sinus is located under the brain and cerebrospinal fluid can leak if it’s punctured. The potential for meningitis and other infections increases if this occurs. Meningitis refers to an inflammation of the meninges, or the membrane that surrounds and protects the brain, and it can cause death if it’s not treated promptly.
