Sinus problems can be treated with medications, but you might need sinus surgery in case of recurrent infections and the occurrence of symptoms and sinus issues. Additionally, if someone has infected sinus tissues, fungal infections, irregular structures, or polyps (tissue growth), sinus surgery is the cure. Chronic sinus issues can lead to loss of vision and taste, making the surgery necessary.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various signs, symptoms, and factors that can help you determine if nasal surgery is necessary. From chronic breathing difficulties to aesthetic concerns, we will cover it all. So, let’s dive in and find out how to know if you need nasal surgery!

What are the different types of Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is the most commonly used sinus surgery, but there are other procedures that your doctor might recommend. These include:

FESS – Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

It is a popular alternative to endoscopic sinus surgery, where the surgeon uses a tool known as an endoscope. The thin tube is fiber-optic and is inserted into the nose to get a visual image of the sinuses.

Your surgeon will pass surgical instruments and other micro-telescopes to clear the blockage and remove any obstructive tissues. The process is minimally invasive, carried out through the nostrils, and leaves almost no scars. FEES might cause minimal discomfort, but nothing permanent and ensures quick recovery.

Caldwell-Luc Surgery

Cadwell-Luc surgery is used to treat foreign growth in the sinus cavity but is more invasive and less opted for. Your doctor will remove conditions like nasal polyps by this method to improve the draining of the sinus.

The surgeon removes the unwanted tissue growth and creates a small pathway called the maxillary sinus. This is done between the cavity under the eye and the nose to facilitate sinus drainage.

Image-Guided Surgery

If you have recurrent sinus infections and have already had surgery, your doctor will recommend you have image-guided surgery. The newer process is also used to treat severe cases of blocked sinuses.

Just like functional endoscopic sinus surgery, your surgeon will use an endoscope to visualize the sinus infection. Additionally, a three-dimensional mapping form like CT scans is used to help the surgeon see the position of the different surgical instruments to safely guide these across the difficult passages.

Balloon surgery

This is a new type of surgery that is only prescribed when there is nothing to be removed from the sinuses. In it, the doctor inserts a thin tube into the nose, attached to one end of which is a small balloon.

The balloon is guided to the congested area within the nose and is inflated. Doing this clears the passageway and the sinuses can now be drained more effectively.

What is the reason for the nasal surgery?

Sinusitis Surgery aims to clear the sinus by removing the blockage of the draining paths. It might mean removing:

• Tissue that is damaged or swollen
• Thin bones
• Polyps in the nose
• Mucous membranes
• Tumours in the nasal passage

Your doctor might recommend sinusitis surgery to cure nasal polyps or sinusitis. What do these conditions mean, and what are the symptoms you should look out for? The swelling of the nasal passages or the sinuses is known as sinusitis. Some common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Nose congestion or discoloured nasal discharge
• Headaches or pressure around the eyes, forehead, or nose
• Loss of hearing or blocked ears

We have a nasal lining inside our sinuses and nasal passages, which might swell in varying sizes and are known as nasal polyps. Larger polyps often block one’s sinuses, causing an infection. These may also cause loss of smell and lead to breathing issues.

Most people with nasal polyps might not experience any symptoms, but some common ones to look out for include:

• A runny or congested nose, causing breathing issues or snoring
• Loss of taste or smell
• Headaches and facial pain
• Continuous sinus infections

Other than these two frequent conditions, sinus surgery is advised in cases of abnormal tissue growth, nasal blockages, and other infections causing inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses.

How safe is sinus surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is safe and the chances of any complications are quite low. However, just like any surgery, you might have certain side effects, like:

• Blood loss and uncontrollable nasal bleeding
• Recurrence of sinus infections or symptoms
• Loss of vision as the sinuses are close to the eye sockets
• Loss of taste or smell
• Other nasal infections

You can talk to your doctor about the possible complications before choosing to undergo sinus surgery.

How long is recovery after sinus surgery?

Generally, one can return home after sinus surgery, but recovery takes longer. Following the doctor’s prescribed medications and recovery guidelines helps prevent any complications and offers relief.

Additionally, the complication of the case and the chosen surgical procedure determine the recovery period. On average, it is advised to rest for at least three to five days before resuming one’s regular lifestyle. Other than that, avoiding strenuous activities like heavy lifting is crucial. Limit your physical activity and consult your doctor for a detailed guideline and recovery plan.

Conclusion

Traditionally, several incisions were made on the face to destroy the sinuses, which is why sinus surgery was invasive and painful. However, with the progress of medical science, surgeons now use a tool known as an endoscope to operate and treat the blockages.

The minimally invasive procedure ensures quick recovery, which is quite a dramatic improvement from the previous methods. Additionally, new medications and devices have helped minimize the pressure and chances of any side effects.