Sinuses Surgery

Sinus Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing Your Sinuses

What is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to improve drainage from the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located in the skull. These sinuses are lined with a thin membrane called the mucosa, which produces mucus that helps to trap bacteria and other foreign particles. When the sinuses become blocked, mucus can build up and cause pain, pressure, and congestion.

Why is Sinus Surgery Performed?

Sinus surgery may be recommended for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic sinusitis: This is a condition in which the sinuses are inflamed and blocked for at least 12 weeks.
• Recurrent sinusitis: This is a condition in which a person has multiple episodes of sinusitis over a period of time.
• Nasal polyps: These are non-cancerous growths that can block the sinuses.
• Deviated septum: This is a condition in which the nasal septum, which is the wall that divides the nose into two halves, is crooked or displaced.

What are the Different Types of Sinus Surgery?

There are a variety of different sinus surgeries that can be performed, depending on the underlying cause of the sinus problems. The most common types of sinus surgery include:

• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): This is the most common type of sinus surgery. It is performed using a small endoscope that is inserted into the nose to remove blockages and improve drainage.
• Balloon sinuplasty: This is a less invasive procedure than FESS that uses a balloon to open up the sinuses.
• Traditional sinus surgery: This is a more invasive procedure that involves making an incision in the face to access the sinuses.

What are the Risks of Sinus Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with sinus surgery. These risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to the eyes or brain
• Loss of smell
• Scarring

How to Prepare for Sinus Surgery

Before undergoing sinus surgery, you will need to do the following:

• Fast for 8 hours before surgery.
• Avoid taking any blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications for 1 week before surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.

What to Expect After Sinus Surgery

After sinus surgery, you will likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around your nose. You may also have a bloody nose for a few days after surgery. You will need to take pain medication to manage the pain and antibiotics to prevent infection. You will also need to use a saline nasal spray to keep your sinuses moist. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a week or two after sinus surgery.

Conclusion

Sinus surgery can be an effective treatment for a variety of sinus problems. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved before undergoing this procedure. If you are considering sinus surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure.