Is Sinusitis Becoming A Pain?

Feeling pressure around the face? Have a stuffy and runny nose? Millions of Americans have similar sinus problems. Sinusitis is an infection, inflammation or blockage of the sinuses. Sinusitis causes breathing issues, pain and even a loss of smell. Chronic sinusitis sometimes requires surgery.

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery

Dissecting sinus surgery

To ease the problems linked to sinusitis, minimally invasive surgery can be a viable option. Sinus surgery involves a surgeon using tools to remove blockages in the sinus. Next, the sinus drains freely, giving the patient relief. The surgery is an outpatient procedure with a high success rate. Sinus surgery procedures range from open to minimally invasive.

Time to FESS up

A functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is an effective sinus-relieving procedure. First, the surgeon inserts an endoscope through the nostrils. A clear picture of the sinus via the endoscope’s camera helps determine the next step. The surgeon can then use tools attached to the endoscope to remove blockages. FESS surgeries are quick, relatively painless outpatient procedures.

Using balloons

Balloon sinuplasty is a new sinus surgery procedure, growing in popularity recently. The technique is less invasive than FESS and requires less recovery time. However, balloon sinuplasty treats lesser sinus issues. A tiny balloon attached to the end of an endoscope inflates to push tissue back into the sinus walls. The sinus opens up and drains freely.

The vintage open surgery

Open surgery is less commonly used but still an option for sinus patients. The surgery is invasive and requires entry through cuts on the face or mouth. Open surgery occurs in cases of large blockages, or to repair the nasal passage. The recovery time is longer and more painful than the less invasive counterparts.

Qualifying for sinus surgery

Over 30 million Americans experience a degree of sinusitis yearly. Yet, only 200,000 sinus surgeries occur. Otolaryngologists use sinus surgery in special circumstances. Healthcare providers attempt nonsurgical options before suggesting surgery. In fact, sinus issues often heal naturally. The cases an ENT will recommend surgery for include:

Unresponsive treatment

The different treatments for sinusitis include nasal irrigation and antibiotics. Sometimes antibiotics or steroids bring no relief. If treatments are unresponsive for weeks or months, surgery is the next step.

Nasal Polyps

A nasal polyp is an air filled sacs in the nose. Polyps gather like strings of pearls, blocking nasal passageways. Polyps cause restricted breathing, runny noses, pain and infections if not removed with surgery.

A suspected tumor

In rare cases, tumors form in the sinus cavities, causing sinus cancer. Yet, the tumors happen because of environment, smoking or genetics. A suspected tumor after a CT scan qualifies for immediate surgery.

Is sinus surgery the right move?

Sinus surgery provides long-term relief to patients. However, most non-surgical methods also treat sinusitis. Patients will only go under the knife for the right reasons. Patients with chronic sinus problems can discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider.

Recent Posts

“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”

CONTACT US TODAY!

Please contact us with any questions about your treatment at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Recent Posts