The sinuses are pockets of air inside the head that lubricate and protect the nasal passageways. When they become inflamed due to infection or allergies, a condition called sinusitis develops. Severe sinusitis that cannot be treated through other means may need to be treated using sinus surgery.
Reasons
An individual may choose sinus surgery if other methods to treat chronic sinusitis have failed. Since most of the time sinsusitis can be treated non-surgically, sinus surgery is often considered a last resort. A diagnosis of nasal polyps that block the sinus passageways may be another reason to have sinus surgery.
Options
While traditional sinus surgery opened up the entire nasal cavity, today sinus surgery is generally performed with an endoscope, a flexible fiber optic tube that is threaded through the nostrils. Using endoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to visualize the tissues via an external monitor and makes the surgical removal of damaged tissue more precise. One specific type of endoscopic surgery is image-guided endoscopic surgery, which uses a CT scan combined with real-time information. Another type of sinus surgery is the Caldwell-Luc operation, which connects the maxillary sinus under the eye to the nasal passages, improving sinus drainage.
Procedure
Sinus surgery is typically performed under general or local anesthesia. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and afterward, the individual can return home to recover there. After the procedure is complete, the nose may be packed with surgical packing. About five to 10 days after surgery, the patient may need to return to the doctor's office or hospital to have nasal irrigation performed.
Risks
Modern sinus surgery is generally considered safe, but some side effects occasionally occur. Bleeding is the most common side effect, with some individuals requiring a blood transfusion due to loss of blood. A leak of cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, can occur if the barrier between the sinuses and brain cavity becomes compromised. Anesthesia carries dangers as well, including a risk of death if the individual develops a bad reaction to the anesthetic given.
Alternatives
Before resorting to sinus surgery, people who suffer from chronic sinus problems should consider other options to help clear the nasal passages. Many individuals are helped by antibiotics or other medication. People whose sinusitis stems from allergies may benefit from environmental changes, such as removing pets from the home and installing filters to pull allergens from the air. In some cases, temporary bouts of sinus congestion can be treated with warm compresses on the face and the use of a humidifier.
