Different Types of Sinus Surgery

If you have chronic conditions that do not respond to medications or other treatments, your ENT may recommend that you have surgery. Surgery may be necessary to remove tissue, bone or infected matter that prevents your sinuses from draining properly. Surgery is only recommended after other interventions have not been met with success.

Unlike other medical professions, ENTs are trained not only in diagnosis and treatment but they are trained as surgeons as well. This means that not only does your ENT have the skill to determine the cause of your sinusitis or rhinitis; they can perform the corrective surgery as well.

Depending on your condition, one of several types of surgery may be recommended.

Balloon sinuplasty surgery

Balloon sinuplasty surgery (BSP) or balloon sinus surgery is the least invasive of all sinus surgeries. It can be performed in the ENT’s office under a local anesthetic. Recovery only takes one to two days to resume normal activities. Most people drive themselves to the office and back home after this procedure.

It is well suited when the blockage is not extreme. An endoscope is inserted through the nasal passage; a balloon is inflated creating tiny microfractures in the bone and held in place while the bone reforms in the proper shape. The balloon is removed and the area heals in the new shape.

Endoscopic sinus surgery

BSP restores proper sinus function by restoring drainage. In some instances mucous lining, bone or growths such as polyps need to be removed.

As with BSP, this surgery is performed using an endoscope. The endoscope allows the ENT to see the tissues and structure of the sinus. Polyps, tissue, and bone can be removed and proper drainage restored all without making an incision. Access for endoscopic surgery can be made completely through the nasal passage.

This form of surgery does have a longer recovery period. Immediately after surgery you may have some packing material in your nose. In addition for about 10 days you will need to perform a simple in-home nasal lavage procedure to remove any dried blood or mucous.

Sinus surgery for improved quality of life and health

The goal of any sinus surgery is to correct a medical condition and restore quality of life and health. When chronic conditions like sinusitis and rhinitis can be cured you just breathe easier and feel better. You may find you have more energy and think more clearly.

Sinus surgery is about more than just correcting problems in the sinuses; it’s about giving you your life back.