Sinus Surgery and Its Preparation

Endoscopic sinus surgery

Since it was started several years ago, sinus surgery has evolved significantly to be less invasive. The previously utilized techniques were more invasive, left larger scars, caused more discomfort, and required longer recovery times. In general, today the face is no longer incised, which means no scars, less pain and a shorter recovery time. Most patients return to their homes the same day they are treated.

Sinus Surgery

If you have severe sinusitis, several critical conditions like nasal polyps will start making your daily life worse. When it is so, your doctor may recommend a surgery for acute sinusitis treatment. In a surgery, a doctor opens the sinuses that has been blocked by inflammation as it improves drainage and airflow.

Previously, the surgery makes incisions on the face. Now the surgery is performed under nasal endoscope that is a tube with tiny camera attached and it is inserted through the nostril. With this surgery, the surgeon can see the inside part of sinuses on a screen. It means the surgeon does not need to look at the patient’s sinuses directly and patient does not need to undergo serious surgeries. On the next step, the surgeon removes all inflamed tissues known as polyps and all other obstacles.

Details on the Surgery Process

  • You are placed under local or general anesthesia.

  • A small telescope is inserted into your sinuses to allow the surgeon to examine in detail what happens while they are working.

  • The doctor must clear blockages, small bone pieces or polyps from the sinuses.

  • You can feel pressure or hear your doctor remove things from the sinus system if you are under local anesthesia. This is similar to the noise you could hear when you are in the dentist's cavity.

  • Other sinus operations use a small ball to expand the sinuses. Your doctor may also consider fixing the position of your septum during the operation, depending on the form of your sinuses. This can allow you to breathe easier after recovery.

Surgery Preparation

Normally, you should stop over- the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin for a week before your sinus procedure. In some cases, such as after a cardiac stent, people should not be too long without their medicines. Tell the surgeon how long you want your drugs to be free.

Start watering the sinus passages with a salt spray. You should also arrange someone who can help you reach home as you can't drive back.

Contact OKOA for acute sinus treatment. For other allergic conditions, ENT problems, you can visit us in OKC.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.