Sinus surgery is performed by an ENT specialist to address chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other serious conditions. There are many different types of sinus surgeries. These include:
A) Endoscopic sinus surgery: This procedure is a minimally-invasive procedure where a tiny camera called an endoscope is inserted through the nose to reach the nasal cavity. It’s a short procedure with few risks and a quick recovery time.
B) Balloon Sinuplasty: This also uses a tiny camera, this time inserted into the sinuses through the nose. The surgeon then inflates a small balloon that compresses on the walls of your sinuses to open up blocked areas.
C) Nasal Surgery: With this procedure, surgeons use an endoscope inserted through the nose to perform surgery on your nasal passages inside your nose.
D) Turbinectomy: A surgical technique for removing and preventing tissue buildup in one or more turbinates in your nose.
E) Septoplasty: This surgery is used to correct a deviated septum, which can cause difficulty breathing through the nose.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
The most common sinus surgery, minimally-invasive and quick recovery.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is the most common type of sinus surgery performed by an ENT specialist. This procedure is a minimally-invasive procedure where a tiny camera called an endoscope is inserted through the nose to reach the nasal cavity. It’s a short procedure with few risks and a quick recovery time.
One of the benefits of endoscopic sinus surgery is that it has a very low risk of infection and can be done on an outpatient basis. Additionally, patients who have this type of surgery usually experience less pain and discomfort than those who undergo traditional sinus surgeries. The success rate for this particular surgical procedure varies depending on the individual’s condition; some patients who underwent this surgery saw their symptoms completely disappear after two years. Endoscopic sinus surgery carries fewer risks than traditional procedures because it doesn’t require cutting into your nose or up through your palate (roof of your mouth). Additionally, you’re less likely to experience complications like bleeding or bad reactions to anesthesia with this type of surgery.
The potential side effects associated with endoscopic sinus surgery are: temporary numbness in the face or teeth, hearing loss, ringing in ears, and changes in taste sensation in the back of your throat which may last up to six months post-operation.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure that can help to relieve chronic sinusitis. The procedure is done with an endoscope inserted through the nose and then a small balloon is inflated, compressing on the walls of your sinuses to open up blocked areas. This process may need to be repeated over time for best results.
The main risks associated with this procedure include:
• Minor bleeding and infection
• Nosebleeds and nasal discharge due to irritation
• Dryness in the nose and throat
• Increased sense of smell
In most cases, patients are able to return home the same day as their surgery or within 1-2 days following their treatment.
Nasal Surgery
If you have problems with your nasal passages, you may need nasal surgery. This can be done to remove tissue buildup in your nose, which can lead to breathing problems. There are many different types of nasal surgeries. Some examples are:
A) Turbinectomy: A surgical technique for removing and preventing tissue buildup in one or more turbinates in your nose.
B) Septoplasty: This is a procedure that often combines a septorhinoplasty with a turbinectomy.
C) Rhinoplasty: The most common type of plastic surgery performed on the nose, this procedure is performed to change the shape of the nose or correct birth defects.
Turbinectomy
Turbinectomy is a surgical technique for removing and preventing tissue buildup in one or more turbinates in your nose. It’s typically performed when patients have had many allergy attacks, have nasal polyps, or when they have nasal sinusitis.
A Turbinectomy is sometimes called a “deviated septum surgery” because it removes the inside part of the nose that is blocking your airways. With this surgery, surgeons remove parts of your turbinates (the three soft areas inside your nose) to improve airflow through your nose. You’ll also need some reconstruction to rebuild the side of your nose that was cut during the procedure.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty, or the removal of the septum, is a surgical technique for removing and preventing tissue buildup in one or more turbinates in your nose. This may be caused by chronic allergies, infection, or other factors.
After surgery, you’ll need to limit activities such as swimming and heavy lifting. You will follow up with your ENT specialist every few weeks to ensure that there are no post-surgery complications and that your recovery is going well. After six months, it’s important to evaluate if the surgery was successful; if not, other procedures might be necessary.
Ready to Start Your Sinus Surgery Journey?
The sinuses are a set of hollow spaces in the skull which help to warm and moisten the air we breathe. Sinus surgery may be necessary due to a number of factors, including a chronic sinus infection, a deviated septum or nasal polyps. While it is important to consult with your ENT specialist before you undergo any type of sinus surgery, there are a number of common types that may be performed depending on the specific needs of the patient. For more information about sinus surgery or to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist, contact Dr. Seth H. Evans, MD today!