Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Why is this procedure done?

Endoscopic sinus surgery can correct problems with your sinuses when drugs do not help. The sinuses are air-filled spaces inside the head that lie behind your forehead, nose, cheeks, and eyes. The spaces have small hairs that clean the sinuses. Your sinuses may swell, get inflamed or infected if the small hairs are not working well. You can also have problems if there is a block in the opening to the sinuses. The mucus sometimes gets trapped inside the sinus, causing pain. The block may be caused by: ‚

Colds or allergies
Curving or bending of the wall that separates your nose. This is a deviated septum.
Extra bony growths inside the nose. These are nasal bone spurs.
Chemical irritation from cigarette smoke or other odors

Doctors will often try to correct this problem with drugs. You may need to have sinus surgery if you have: ‚

Frequent sinus infections
Tumors in your nose or sinuses
Nasal polyps. These are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that grow on the lining of the nasal passage or sinus.
Chronic sinus headaches
Choanal atresia. This is a condition that occurs when the back of the nose does not open or communicate with the rest of the airway. It is often a condition that is found at birth or in early infancy.

What will the results be?

Your sinuses will drain freely and your signs may improve. You may be able to get more drugs or rinses into your sinuses to treat other problems. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbs you are taking. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?

Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You may also be given a drug to help you relax.
Your doctor will use a small scope with a light on the end of it to see inside of your nose. Small tools are used to open up your sinuses so they can drain into your nose. Your doctor may also fix problems with the septum or tissue that divides the 2 sides of your nose.
Your doctor may put packing or a stent or small tube in your nose.
This procedure may take 1 to 2 hours.

What happens after the procedure?

You will feel some pain. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain and swelling.
The doctor sometimes packs your nose with cotton to control bleeding. The doctor takes the packing out after 1 to 2 days. Stents sometimes fall out after a week or so.
You can most often go home after surgery.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Help with pain
Fight an infection
Lessen swelling

What problems could happen?

Infection
Bleeding
Numbness in the nose
Eye problems
Bruising around eyes
Cerebrospinal fluid leaks from nose

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/content/sinus-surgery ‚
American Rhinological Association ‚
http://care.american-rhinologic.org/ess ‚

Last Reviewed Date

2015-01-26 ‚

List_set bdysylist

Respiratory

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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