What Are the Most Common Surgeries for Sinus Problems? 

Once patients have gone through the traditional route of treatment (medicines) and don’t find relief, a large portion then decide to have sinus surgery. Sinuses are complex structures of tiny canals, as little as a few millimeters. Any surgeries for sinus problems requires a skilled Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist who is specifically trained in sinus surgical techniques. The ENTs at Palm Beach Sinus Doctors have experience in all types of sinus surgeries and procedures.

Here’s a brief summary of some of the most common surgeries for sinus problems performed.

FESS or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

What is a FESS or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

FESS is specifically to treat chronic conditions of rhinosinusitis or sinusitis. During the surgery, the doctor helps the sinuses by extending the opening which means they drain better. The result is typically a reduction in swelling and inflammation.

Who is best qualified for a FESS?

If you have very small passageways, any type of blockage in your sinuses, or an obstruction that doesn’t reduce over time, you may be a good candidate for FESS. Anyone who has these symptoms will have a build-up of fluid in the sinuses. This leads to infections that won’t heal, and even if they do, they keep reoccuring over time.

What happens during FESS?

The doctor using an instrument called an endoscope to look in your nose. The endoscope is a tube that can bend and move around and there is a tiny lighted camera on the end. With this, the doctor can see inside your sinuses as well. The endoscope allows the procedure to be minimally invasive which reduces incisions required and scaring. It also means the FESS is usually an outpatient treatment.

Balloon Sinuplasty

What is a balloon sinuplasty?

The balloon sinuplasty is another minimally invasive surgery that uses a balloon to expand the passageways of the sinus cavity. The doctor inserts the balloon and then blows it up gently. Once the passageway is expanded to the right size, the balloon is deflated and taken out. This procedure also helps the sinuses to drain more efficiently.

Why should someone consider a balloon sinuplasty?

There are a few reason a balloon sinuplasty might be right for you. First, it doesn’t require much down time. You will be able to get back to your job or favorite hobbies faster than you would if you had a more traditional sinus procedure. Next, because there are fewer incisions made, there is a reduction in bleeding. This is always good because it means there’s a smaller chance of infection and there is a lower amount of pain. Finally, a balloon sinuplasty can be performed with either local or general anesthesia so you can have the procedure right in a medical office.

Who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?

If your sinus problems have lasted three months or longer, or if you keep needing treatment for your acute sinus issues, you might be a good candidate. Also, those patients with blocked sinuses or those who had sinus surgery before may find good results with balloon sinuplasty.

Septoplasty – Repairing the Septum with Surgery

Most people are familiar the part of their nose called the septum. It is a piece of bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils. Sometimes people have problems with something called a septal perforation which is a hole in the septum. Another common problem is a deviated septum. This is where the septum doesn’t lie straight, but instead leans to one side or the other. Both of these issues can bring complications with your sinuses, but they can fortunately be corrected with a septoplasty.

What happens during a septoplasty?

The doctor carefully reshapes the cartilage and may remove small portions if necessary. The overall goal is to open the passageways for better breathing and drainage. Doctors perform the procedure as either an inpatient or outpatient surgery. It depends on the needs of each patient.

Palm Beach Sinus Doctors perform these surgeries for patients regularly

As board-certified doctors, we thoroughly examine each individual sinus patient to find the correct treatment for their needs. For more information, get in touch with our office today for an appointment for evaluation.