SINUS SURGERY

What is sinus surgery?

Medications, rather than surgery, are commonly used to treat sinus infections. If symptoms are recurring or persistent, sinus surgery may be required. Sinus surgery often treats chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the nose and sinuses), although it may be necessary for other sinus issues. People with abnormal sinus structure or abnormal growths in the sinus can also benefit from this procedure. The surgery enlarges the airways between the sinuses and the nose's interior to allow air and drainage to flow freely. Infected sinus tissue, bone or polyps may be removed. Modern sinus surgery has less post-surgical bleeding, is less intrusive and takes less time to heal than previous sinus surgery.

Types of sinus surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery is the most common type of sinus surgery. There are, however, additional operations that can be carried out, such as:

• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the most prevalent type of sinus surgery. A nasal endoscope (a miniature telescope) is used to look into the nostril and see the inside of the nose and the sinus openings. Other devices are utilised to do the surgery through the same nostril.
• Image-guided endoscopic surgery, a newer approach, may be considered for severe sinus obstructions or after previous sinus surgeries. This type of surgery uses mapping technology to display the position of the surgical instruments in addition to an endoscope. CT scans and infrared signals are used to accomplish this. A surgeon may correctly navigate tricky sinus passages and remove tissues and other impediments with this guidance.
• The Caldwell-Luc procedure's goal is to eliminate growths and improve sinus drainage. It generates the maxillary sinus, which connects the nose to the hollow beneath the eye. This window then aids the drainage. This is a less common and more intrusive technique. When there is a growth inside the sinus cavity, this procedure is usually performed. The surgeon cuts the upper jaw, just above one of the second molar teeth within the mouth. They then use this cut to enter the sinus cavity. This procedure can be done with either local or general anaesthesia.