Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is a procedure used to remove sinus tissue that is damaged or diseased. It is used to treat a variety of different sinus problems and can even improve natural sinus drainage. The surgery may take several hours to complete, and patients can go home after the anesthesia wears off.

Why a Patient May Need Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery may be an option for anyone who suffers from sinus problems. Doctors must confirm that the surgery can be helpful in treating the symptoms of the patient’s sinus problems before recommending the surgery. People who need sinus surgery may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Recurring bloody nose
• Sinus pressure
• Chronic sinus infections
• Improper drainage
• Sinus infections
• Sinus pain

Preparing for Sinus Surgery

Doctors will give patients specific instructions to help them prepare for the surgery. Those orders may vary by doctor or patient.

In most cases, patients will not be able to eat anything eight hours before the surgery. Doctors will also check to make sure the patient is in good health and not suffering from any infections or viral issues. They may check for a fever, cough, and other health problems. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them to and from their doctor’s office as well.

During the Sinus Surgery Procedure

During the sinus surgery procedure, the doctor will give the patient a dose of anesthesia that will put them under. Patients are not usually awake for the surgery. Doctors will use a variety of different tools to remove tissue from the sinuses to help relieve the symptoms patients. The amount of tissue removed and the location of the surgery will depend on the patient’s symptoms.

Sinus Surgery Recovery

Recovery from sinus surgery can take some time and patients may experience some pain after the procedure. Doctors will prescribe medication to help patients deal with the pain and advise them to rest for three to five days after. Patients also should not blow their noses, or attempt to touch and scratch the surgery site.  Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections.

Sinus Surgery Complications

Some people do experience some complications after sinus surgery. Patients who do experience complications should contact a doctor immediately to make sure these are not life-threatening. Some common complications of the surgery include:

• Failure to resolve an infection
• Recurrence of the original sinus problem
• Bleeding
• Chronic nasal drainage
• Failure to resolve all original sinus problems
• Damage to the eyes or base of the skull
• Pain
• Reduction or loss of sense of smell or taste
• Dry sinuses
• A runny nose
• Swelling
• Added pressure

Sinus Surgery Results

Sinus surgery is usually effective at relieving the symptoms of most sinus problems. Some patients will need more than one surgery to correct the problem. In some cases, the surgery is not successful, and the patient will need to try a different treatment option or plan for another surgery. Most people experience a big difference in the way they breathe, sleep and how their sinuses drain after surgery.