Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery was originally performed through external incisions and required a large amount of nasal packing to control post-surgical bleeding, and was also quite painful with a longer period of recovery. However, with advancements in medical technology, the surgery is now performed with the help of an Endoscope; a thin, rigid, rod length with a camera attached to its head that can be inserted into the nasal cavity through the natural Orifice.

Surgery performed using this device is with minimal incisions, lesser nasal packing, milder pain and a shorter period of recovery.

Symptoms (Reasons to perform this surgery):

Nasal endoscopic surgery is performed for a variety of conditions of the nose as well as other neighboring organs. It is used in the diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:

• Chronic sinusitis - Recurrent inflammation of the nose and/or sinus, which persists for over 3 months.
• Identifying infections, nasal polyps, allergies, etc.
• Sinus infections that may spread to the brain, eye, face, etc.
• Brain fluid leaking into the nose.
• Tear duct disorders.
• Septoplasty, Turbinoplasty surgeries.

There are non-surgical methods of treating sinusitis but surgery is preferred and considered more effective for permanent fixation.

Overview of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery:

The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity and duration of the procedure.

• Once the patient is sedated, the endoscope is inserted through the nostril to view the nasal sinuses.
• The abnormalities in structure or infections that are causing the symptoms in the patient are then identified by the doctor on a screen on which a live feed of the nasal sinus is displayed through the camera on the endoscope.
• The instruments are inserted alongside the endoscope inside the nostril, and surgery is performed through a small incision in the nasal wall.
• The instruments used may vary according to the condition treated.
• Some nasal packing may be provided during surgery to avoid bleeding.
• Nasal packing may be provided after the surgery depending on the condition treated.
• The recovery period may vary depending on the patient and the condition treated, although the pain is quite mild.

Nasal endoscopic surgery has been proven to alleviate the symptoms in a large number of cases, and is also less painful with a lower recovery period. Also, it is one of the safest methods of treatment.