Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
This webpage will give you information about endoscopic
sinus surgery. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is sinusitis?
The sinuses are air-filled spaces at the front of the skull that
are connected to the inside of your nose (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - The sinuses, The sphenoid sinus is set back
towards the centre of your head.
Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membrane that lines the
sinuses. It causes symptoms of pain, a blocked nose, discharge,
reduced sense of smell and the feeling of mucus at the back of your
nose or throat.
What are the benefits of surgery?
The aim of surgery is to widen the passage between the sinus and
your nose so that mucus does not become trapped anymore. This
should prevent the sinusitis from coming back.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Antibiotics may help to clear the infection. If your sinusitis
is caused by an allergy, you may be able to prevent sinusitis by
avoiding the ‘triggers’ of your allergy or by taking medication,
such as antihistamines. If you use a nasal steroid spray for a long
time, you can reduce the size of polyps.
What does the operation involve?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually performed under a general
anaesthetic but a local anaesthetic can be used. The operation is
performed through your nose and does not result in any facial scars
or change the outside shape of your nose. Your surgeon will use an
endoscope to examine your nasal passages. They will use special
instruments to remove any polyps and to widen the passages from
your sinuses into your nose.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Infection
- Damage to the bone around your eye
- Blindness
- Leak of fluid from the brain
How soon will I recover?
The packing in your nose will usually be removed the day after
your operation. You should be able to go home later on that
day.
You should not blow your nose for at least a week after the
operation. Your nose will continue to feel blocked for quite a few
weeks.
Your surgeon will prescribe a nasal spray or drops for you to
use and you may be given a course of antibiotics to reduce the risk
of infection.
Summary
Sinusitis is not serious but it can cause unpleasant symptoms.
If medication does not help, endoscopic sinus surgery should
prevent the sinusitis from coming back.
Acknowledgements
Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Orpington, Bromley Private Patient Unit
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital