Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: An Effective Treatment for Sinusitis

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of chronic sinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery might be the right treatment for you. With chronic sinusitis, also called chronic rhinosinusitis, the cavities surrounding your nasal passages will become inflamed and swollen, interfering with proper drainage and causing a significant amount of mucus to build up. Resulting from this buildup, you may suffer from:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling around your eyes and face
• Facial pain, including pain in the sinus area as well as severe sinus headaches

Endoscopic sinus surgery is intended to surgically remove the blockages in the sinuses, which may be caused by nasal polyps (unusual growths) or by a deviated nasal septum. This surgery is intended to target the involving area to successfully relieve the above conditions which can significantly impact your quality of life.

Revision Sinus Surgery for Nasal Polyps

Polyps are painless, soft, non-cancerous growths that develop in the sinuses and eventually in the nose due to an inflammation of the mucosa. While it remains unclear why some patients develop nasal polyps and others do not, we do know that functional endoscopic surgery can remove or address nasal polyps.

Why Would Revision Surgery Be Needed for Nasal Polyps?

If nasal polyps do not disappear or sufficiently shrink after initial surgery, revision sinus surgery may be necessary. As with all surgical revisions, revision sinus surgery for nasal polyps aims to provide sufficient resolution of pathology without recurrence of disease. 

What Does Revision Surgery for Nasal Polyps Involve?

When you receive revision surgery for nasal polyps, a surgeon will insert a small tube with a tiny camera attached into your nostrils. They will then guide the tube into the sinus cavities and remove the polyps. The surgeon may also remove nasal polyps in additional key areas to restore adequate drainage and aeration of the sinuses. 

Revision sinus surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. You will be asleep during the operation and will not have to spend the night in a hospital.

Many structural changes may have occurred following your original sinus surgery, making presurgical diagnostic studies and the assistance of a skilled and experienced surgeon critical. It is essential to continue your medications after surgical removal of nasal polyps since they work to reduce olfactory mucosa inflammation.

Benefits of a Revision Sinus Surgery in Houston

Before choosing surgery, those suffering from sinusitis may initially take a variety of medicines that target the symptoms, especially if the symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection. In such cases, treatments may include antibiotics, decongestants, as well as other medications to thin the mucus and reduce inflammation.

Unfortunately, chronic sinusitis patients don’t typically respond well to these medications, whereas surgery targets the affected sinus areas with precision to deliver consistent results for those with persistent symptoms.

Dr. Cong Thu Nguyen is an expert at treating problem areas with endoscopic surgery, delivering the following benefits over traditional surgery procedures which require entry through the cheek area:

• Less pain
• No visible scars
• Less bleeding
• A fast recovery period
• Extremely high success rate when medication is ineffective

Do I Need Sinus Surgery?

As mentioned above, there is a wide variety of causes for sinus pain, and you may be able to find relief through medication. If medication is not effective for you, or if you’re looking for a longer term solution, take our “Chronic and Recurrent Sinusitis Quiz” to see if you qualify for endoscopic sinus surgery.

What To Expect from The Endoscopic Surgery Procedure

During the surgery, an endoscope is inserted through the nostrils, enabling the doctor to look inside the sinuses through an eyepiece. Along with the endoscope, which emits light and gives the doctor visibility of the affected area, the doctor will use surgical instruments to remove the blockages causing the condition.

Prior to the surgery, the doctor may ask you to make an appointment for lab tests or to discontinue any medications you’ve been taking for pain. It will be recommended that you fast the morning before surgery.

The procedure may take up to 90 minutes, after which you may need a couple of hours to recover in a quiet recovery room. You will be given specific instructions regarding care and medication after your specific endoscopic sinus surgery.

Do I need a Sinus Surgery Revision?

Make an appointment with Dr. Nguyen today to determine if endoscopic sinus surgery is right for you, and get the relief you need. So book an assesment , or call our Houston clinic, and treat your sinusitis today!

What Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery involves the use of an endoscope to view the opening of the sinuses and nasal cavity. The endoscope is an illuminated, lightweight fiber optic instrument. It allows the surgeon to insert and use instruments with precision without the need for any external incision.

When a doctor uses an endoscope, they can clearly see all the tissues and blockages they need to remove. When combined with the detailed imaging, the doctor can treat all problems affecting the sinuses with accuracy. Since it also enables the surgeon to avoid removing any healthy tissue, the patient experiences less pain and can receive treatment in-office.

When Is Endoscopic Surgery Needed in Houston?

Endoscopic surgery or a second sinus surgery is an ideal solution if you’ve been dealing with chronic sinus problems. If you’ve been treated several times without any improvement, then you may need to have endoscopic sinus surgery. However, this will only be done after you’ve gone through an assessment.

A thorough medical examination is necessary because the ear, nose and throat are linked together. So, symptoms of other diseases may be similar to those demonstrated by people with sinus problems. That said, this type of surgical treatment will be required when an inflamed or infected part of your nose doesn’t improve after treating it with antibiotics or other forms of therapy.

How Do I Schedule an Endoscopic Sinus Treatment in Houston?

You’ll be scheduled to have sinus surgery based on the results of your physical exam. Dr. Nguyen offers single-day diagnoses because he uses the most modern ENT diagnostic tools. After a CT scan or other forms of imaging studies are conducted, you can book your surgical appointment as long as you have an insurance plan.

How Do I Prepare for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Before your sinus surgery, you’ll need to run certain tests including blood tests, EKG, CT scan and a chest x-ray.

In some cases, you may need to take oral steroids or complete an antibiotic therapy prior to the surgery. You also need to report any increase in pain or severity of symptoms in the weeks before the surgery.

You could be required to avoid certain medications and activities before the surgery, such as aspirin, pain medication with salicylate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. You are also required to abstain from smoking for weeks before surgery, and you may not be allowed to eat after midnight prior to the surgery.

What Happens During Sinus Surgery?

The surgery is basically a comfortable one. You may be treated with local anesthesia to minimize pain and any uncomfortable sensations. Usually, you’re allowed to listen to music during the procedure. However, you may feel some blood or mucus in your throat when you swallow.

Which Endoscopic Surgeon in Houston Do You Recommend?

As a candidate for sinus treatment, you may be overwhelmed with treatment options from different specialists. But Dr. Nguyen, an ENT specialist with over 20 years of experience, stands out among other ENT surgeons. He offers services and benefits that others don’t provide, including:

• Diagnosis on the same day
• Less time off from work or school
• A patient-friendly procedure that minimizes pain, bleeding and discomfort
• In-office procedures that allow you to have your surgery completed comfortably

Do You Want to Know More About Sinus Surgery in Houston?

For more details about endoscopic sinus surgery, or to find out if you are a candidate for a sinus surgery revision, please contact Houston Sinus & Allergy today. You can also book a time for us to assess your condition by sending us an email now.Book an Assessment