What are the most common sinus surgeries?
Sinus infections are no fun. They cause pressure, swelling, and congestion, which can be painful and even debilitating. And if one acute infection isn’t bad enough, some people get them over and over again. We refer to this condition as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). There are surgical procedures that can treat these repeat infections — but when are they necessary?
In this guide, we review the aspects of
- Why Would I Get Sinus Surgery?
- Types of Sinus Surgery
- What conditions are treated with sinus surgery?
- Is sinus curable with surgery?
Why Would I Get Sinus Surgery?
Several conditions would require the use of sinus surgery to help alleviate symptoms. The most common condition is sinusitis. Sinusitis is the swelling of the passages and sinuses that results in a stuffy nose, pressure in the nose, eyes, and forehead, coughing, nasal drainage, and more.
Another common reason for surgery is a nasal polyp. Enlarged polyps—or clusters of them— are swellings of the nasal lining inside the nose. If they expand, a person can experience nasal blockages, which can lead to a reduced sense of taste and sinus infections.
Deviated septums block one side of the nose, causing a reduction in airflow. Treatments exist to reduce the swelling of the nasal tissue that could contribute to the deviation, but in some instances when the patient doesn’t respond, surgery helps restore balance to airflow.
Types of Sinus Surgery
SEPTOPLASTY
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure aimed at correcting issues related to the midline of the nose. The process restructures the partition that divides the nostrils, called the septum. Both bone and cartilage make up the septum. Its purpose is to help move the air we breathe into the lungs. Without it, the air could remain in the nose. The septum can obstruct airflow and significantly disrupt the amount of air inhaled through the nose, either due to a congenital disability (like the nostril pressing against the birthing cavity at birth) or possibly from an injury (such as a broken nose).
Anyone who suffers from chronic sinusitis has the compounding issue of congestion and a deviated septum. Septoplasty attempts to redirect the alignment and open the air passages back up by restructuring the bone and cartilage.
TURBINATE REDUCTION
The turbinates inside the nose can become swollen and inflamed from infection, irritation, or allergies. Any of these symptoms could cause nasal obstruction and lead to excess production of mucus. Excess mucus results in nasal congestion. Three turbinates exist inside the nasal passage: the upper, middle, and lower. Their purpose is to humidify, warm, and filter the air we breathe. They consist of a bony structure, encircled by tissue and a mucous membrane.
Turbinate reduction aims to reduce size and swelling, making it easier to breathe. The procedure often requires the use of radiofrequency. It involves the insertion of a needle-like instrument into the turbinate. The instrument transmits the radio frequency into the tissue, resulting in “controlled damage.” As the nose starts to heal, the turbinate begins to reduce in size. Undergoing turbinate reduction surgery does not affect the size or shape of the nose, and patients shouldn’t experience any long-term side effects.
FUNCTIONAL RHINOPLASTY
Two kinds of rhinoplasty exist: cosmetic and functional. Rhinoplasty at its core is a procedure that restructures the bones and cartilage that make up the nose. ENT surgeons perform functional rhinoplasty to help patients remove abnormalities that cause breathing issues. The nose’s shape and angle all play a role in directing airflow into the lungs. Obstructions that are treatable with antibiotics, allergy treatments, or other less invasive methods respond well to functional rhinoplasty. During the procedure, the doctor will resculpt bone and cartilage, which sometimes results in a change in nose shape. Doctors can operate by working from inside the nose, making a small incision, or from the outside of the nose.
BALLOON SINUPLASTY
Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive procedure designed to help patients find relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms. The method is a straightforward application wherein the doctor inserts a flexible balloon catheter into the sinus passage. A tiny wire with a flashlight on the end aids in navigation during the process. Once the balloon is appropriately positioned, it’s slowly inflated to open up the sinus cavity. The doctor uses a saline solution to help flush out the mucus and pus. Many patients feel an instant relief in pressure once the fluid starts to drain. The gentle pressure of the balloon against the sinus cavity helps to restructure the bones and cartilage. After its removal, the sinuses should feel clearer.
FUNCTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY (FESS)
Maybe one of today’s most common sinus surgery options, FESS is a procedure that utilizes a magnifying endoscope to both view the sinuses and remove any affected tissue or bone. The procedure reconstructs the connection between the sinuses and the nose. The result should produce better drainage, reduce blockages, and flush out infected material while maintaining healthy tissue so the nose can operate normally. As the name suggests, the procedure is endoscopic. Your ENT surgeon makes small incisions inside the nose to insert a small tube with a camera and light at the end (endoscope) that surveys the inside of the nasal cavity. FESS is often performed in conjunction with other sinus surgery options like septoplasty.
Middle Tennessee Sinus Surgery Options
Each procedure for sinus surgery comes with minimal risk factors or long-term side effects. But surgery is still surgery, and you want to be in the best hands. Working with board-certified ENT specialists, like OAT, is one of the most effective ways to ensure your procedure goes smoothly and achieves the best results. If you suspect issues with your sinuses, contact OAT today to schedule an appointment.
What conditions are treated with sinus surgery?
Sinus surgery may be used to treat many conditions, including
- Chronic sinusitis (sinus infection or allergies)
- Deviated nasal septum
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cavity tumors and cancer
- Enlarged adenoids
- Enlarged turbinates
- Sleep apnea
Is sinus curable with surgery?
Sinus surgery is one part of the treatment plan recommended by your sinus doctor based on the nature of your sinusitis. Sinus surgery helps clear up your blocked nasal passages or clear infections and drain your sinuses, which would make you breathe easier. We would also recommend follow-up medication and self-care methods to minimize the risk of recurrence. That said, it may not always completely cure your sinusitis.
In 90% of cases, sinus surgery is effective and improves symptoms. Your doctor’s recommended use of nasal irrigation, decongestants, or antibiotics post-surgery yields the best results. In either case, the advantages greatly surpass the drawbacks. The cost of negligence can be high, as chronic sinus infections may lead to serious and sometimes fatal issues such as infection spreading to the brain, causing meningitis, brain abscess, etc.
Conclusion
Chronic sinus issues can disrupt quality of life. Chronic sinusitis can restrict airflow, lead to snoring, or result in sleep apnea. The first line of treatment from an ENT specialist is treating your allergies or prescribing antibiotics. Severe cases that don’t respond to this line of therapy aren’t at a lost cause Sinus surgery allows doctors to operate on the nose and sinus cavities to enhance performance and realign the structure.
