Endoscopic sinus surgery is a relatively minor, outpatient procedure in which a flexible, lighted endoscope is inserted through the nostrils in order to improve sinus drainage and ventilation. However, although it may not be considered major surgery, it does involve anesthesia and it does require incisions in the nostrils.
Because of this, the procedure carries some risks like any surgery, such as nasal bleeding and infection. It can also take several weeks for full recovery and the patient may have to take time off work or school during that time.
Additionally, although the surgery can provide a lot of relief, it is not always successful and may need to be repeated. As such, it is recommended to discuss the risks, expected outcome, and alternatives with your doctor before going ahead with the procedure.
How long does endoscopic sinus surgery take?
Endoscopic sinus surgery typically takes between one and three hours. However, the exact length of surgery will vary depending on the individual patient, the complexity of the procedure, and the number of sinuses being treated.
Additionally, endoscopic sinus surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and must factor into the estimated time. During the surgery, a small endoscope is inserted into the nose to provide visualization of the sinus passages.
Small instruments are then used to clear any blockage, as well as widen and reshape the sinus passages. In some cases, a small amount of tissue may be removed. The entire procedure is closely monitored by a specialized team.
After the procedure, patients usually rest in a recovery room for one to two hours before being released to go home.
Do they put you to sleep for endoscopic sinus surgery?
Yes, typically you would be put to sleep for endoscopic sinus surgery. This is called general anesthesia, and once this has been administered, you should be in a deep sleep throughout the entire procedure.
This is done to reduce any pain or discomfort so that the doctor can perform the surgery safely and effectively. It also helps in protecting the patient from any unexpected incidents that might occur during the procedure.
The doctor will discuss the exact type of anesthesia used before the procedure.
Do they have to break your nose for sinus surgery?
No, they do not have to break your nose for sinus surgery. Depending on your individual case, the surgeon may be able to access and work on your sinuses through your nostrils, avoiding the need to break your nose.
This is known as a Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). During FESS, the surgeon uses a flexible endoscope to access the sinus cavities without breaking the bone. The endoscope is inserted through the nostrils and the surgeon can then see the small sinus openings, allowing them to remove whatever is blocking drainage and impairing breathing.
However, sometimes this form of minimally invasive sinus surgery is not suitable and a surgeon must use an open approach where the nose is broken and cut away to access the sinuses. This is known as a Nasal Surgery (MS) and is usually reserved for complex cases involving severe long-term sinusitis or nasal blockage.
Does sinus endoscopy hurt?
No, a sinus endoscopy does not hurt. The procedure itself is minimally invasive, meaning there is little discomfort associated with it. Typically an anesthetic or numbing spray is used in the nose to make the patient more comfortable.
During the procedure, a small fiberoptic camera is inserted through the nose to look inside the sinuses for any abnormalities. This camera does not cause any pain or discomfort; the patient may experience some pressure due to the instrument being inserted.
Any discomfort usually lasts a few seconds and goes away quickly. After the procedure, there may be a little bleeding due to the instrument being inserted, but no severe or long-term pain is expected.
How long is recovery from nasal endoscopy?
Recovery from nasal endoscopy typically lasts a few days. You can expect to experience some minor discomfort in the days following the procedure, such as nasal congestion, some bleeding and slight bruising where the endoscope was inserted.
You may also have a mild sore throat due to suction used during the procedure. Any discomfort should lessen over the course of a few days with rest and OTC pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed.
It is recommended to avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after a nasal endoscopy and to avoid blowing your nose for two days. Your doctor may also suggest avoiding thick mucus producing foods for a few days following the procedure.
Depending on the findings of the procedure, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or additional treatments.
Is a sinus biopsy painful?
The level of discomfort associated with a sinus biopsy has been reported as quite low. The most common reported discomfort is that of pressure and tugging as the instrument is inserted. The sample is then collected, and the patient typically experiences some minor bleeding.
Generally, the sample collection and biopsy should not last longer than 10 minutes.
Since it is an outpatient procedure, it usually does not require anesthesia. However, if the patient is particularly sensitive, local or even general anesthesia can be used to minimize discomfort.
Although the procedure is invasive, the discomfort associated tends to be manageable. Patients who have a sinus biopsy done typically describe it as uncomfortable but not overly painful. Every individual’s experience may be different; therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor about specific pain management expectations for the procedure.
What happens during a nasal endoscopy?
A nasal endoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and conditions in the nose and other closely related parts. During the procedure, an endoscope – a thin, lighted tube with a camera and tools on the end – is inserted into the nose, allowing a physician to examine the inside of the nasal cavity and neighboring areas.
During the endoscopy, the doctor may take samples of tissue from the nasal passage to look under a microscope for evidence of infection, tumors, allergies, or structural problems. The doctor might also use the endoscope to remove polyps or other growths, or place stents to correct a blocked airway.
Additional tests, such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan, may be necessary to collect more detailed images of the anatomy. Local anesthesia is usually used to numb the nose during a nasal endoscopy, allowing the patient to remain comfortable and alert.
The overall time it takes to complete a nasal endoscopy depends on the nature of the examination and can range from a few minutes to 30 minutes or more.
Is it worth getting sinus surgery?
Deciding whether or not to get sinus surgery is a difficult decision and should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor. While surgery is not always a necessary option for sinus issues, in some cases it can provide significant relief and may be worth considering.
Sinus surgery can help improve the drainage of mucus, reduce the size of the opening of the Sinus cavity, and help prevent congestion from occurring in the future. The type of surgery performed will depend on the type of problem that needs to be addressed, such as chronic sinusitis or another underlying problem.
Talk to your doctor about your specific situation and desired outcomes to decide if surgery is right for you.
In some cases, sinus surgery can provide long-term relief and improved quality of life, while in others it may be necessary to perform multiple procedures over time to achieve the desired outcome. Potential risks associated with sinus surgery include bleeding, infection and the potential need for a longer hospital stay.
Therefore, it’s important to discuss all potential benefits and risks with your doctor to decide if sinus surgery is the right choice for you.
Can sinus grow back after surgery?
It is possible for a sinus to grow back after surgery, depending on the type of surgery performed. In most cases, sinuses cannot grow back after a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which is a procedure designed to open and widen the sinus passages.
The idea behind FESS is to permanently remove the diseased tissue and inflammation-causing agents that contribute to chronic sinusitis and restore normal sinus function. If these types of surgeries are successful, a sinus should not grow back.
On the other hand, if the surgery is not successful and the diseased tissue is not completely removed, the sinus can sometimes grow back. This is why it is important to ensure that the surgeon is experienced and competent at performing this surgery, as it can be quite complex.
In addition, it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions from the surgeon to ensure that the sinus does not grow back.
In some cases, such as in people who have had radiation treatments, surgery may actually encourage the growth of new sinus tissue. This is because radiation can lead to scar tissue, which can then block the natural pathways and cause new sinuses to form.
Overall, it is possible for a sinus to grow back after surgery, though it is not likely. It is important to make sure that the surgery is performed by a competent surgeon and all post-operative instructions are followed in order to help prevent the sinus from growing back.
Can you still get sinus infections after sinus surgery?
Yes, it is possible to still get sinus infections after sinus surgery. Sinus surgery is typically used to open up blocked sinus passages, remove growths and abnormal structures, and to drain mucus from the sinuses.
While the surgery can improve sinus function and prevent many sinus infections, some people may still experience an infection after the procedure. Factors that can increase your risk for a post-surgical infection include infection prior to surgery, complications due to surgery, nasal surgery with the removal of tissues and structures, and dense nasal polyps.
While the surgery tends to reduce the frequency of sinus infections, due to the damage it may cause, it can become easier for bacteria to thrive, leading to an infection.
If you’re experiencing any signs of a sinus infection following surgery, such as fever, thick discolored drainage, facial pain or pressure, pain upon bending over, headaches, and bad breath, contact your doctor right away.
Proper diagnosis and timely treatment by your doctor can help to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of sinus infections, allowing for optimal and effective recovery.
