Sinus surgery is a procedure that a doctor may recommend to resolve symptoms of chronic sinusitis. During the procedure, the surgeon can increase the space within the sinuses to allow for better draining of nasal mucus, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Patients should be aware of the side effects of sinus surgery before undergoing the procedure.
Brain Fluid Leakage
At the top of the sinuses is a bone that separates the brain from the sinus cavity. If this bone is accidentally damaged by surgical tools during sinus surgery, fluid from the brain can leak into the sinuses or nasal passages, Johns Hopkins Medicine reports. Minor brain fluid leakage is typically identified immediately and can be addressed through surgical intervention to repair the leakage site.
Patients who develop brain fluid leakage are at an elevated risk of developing a bacterial brain infection called meningitis. Meningitis symptoms require emergency medical attention and include high fever, severe headache and a stiff neck.
Eye Damage
Sinus surgery can in rare cases cause eye damage and vision alterations, JacksonSinus.com explains. Patients who undergo sinus surgery can suffer injury to the optic nerve, which might lead to vision loss or distorted, blurred or double vision. Typically, these vision alterations are temporary and subside as a patient heals. In rare instances, vision alteration is permanent if eye damage is severe.
Tooth Numbness
Unusual sensations of numbness can arise along the upper teeth as an effect of sinus surgery, MedlinePlus notes. Tooth numbness can occur if certain nerves within the sinuses are damaged during surgery. This effect typically resolves shortly after surgery.
Infection
Patients who undergo sinus surgery are at an increased risk of developing a sinus or nasal infection after surgery, JacksonSinus.com explains. Symptoms of an infection can include nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache or general body discomfort. Affected patients are typically treated with antibiotic medication.
Bleeding
Mild nasal bleeding after sinus surgery is to be expected and progressively diminishes as a patient heals. Patients who experience excessive nasal bleeding after sinus surgery should contact a doctor. Additional surgery may be necessary to resolve persistent nasal bleeding.
