Endoscopic sinus surgery is a method by which a surgeon can remove excess tissue or other blockages from the sinuses, which are air pockets within the skull. This type of operation is typically done to decrease the risk of infection and improve the patient's breathing. A patient may undergo this surgery if he often experiences swollen sinuses and associated infections.
Before you undergo endoscopic sinus surgery, your doctor will generally prescribe certain medications. These are intended to reduce inflammation. You must take these drugs at the appropriate times in the days prior to surgery, as recommended by the physician.
People may also need to discontinue certain medications before this operation. If you take blood thinners or herbal remedies, such as gingko or St. John's Wort, your surgeon will require that you stop taking them for a period of time. In addition, smokers must stop smoking at least three to four weeks beforehand. Smoking will increase the risk of failure of the surgery, as well as result in more scar tissue.
Patients should expect to be rendered unconscious with general anesthesia. This usually requires that people refrain from drinking or eating after midnight on the day prior to surgery. If you must take medications, take them with only a sip of water, and check with your physician before doing so.
After you are unconscious, the surgeon will insert small instruments through your nostrils. He will not need to make any incisions in your skin. Depending on each patient's specific health problems, it is likely that any blockages or scar tissue are removed first. If there are any nasal polyps, or noncancerous growths, these are also taken out. The surgeon may also need to straighten or repair the septum, which separates your nostrils.
Endoscopic sinus surgery may take one to three hours. Most patients are discharged on the same day, however, they should have someone else drive them home. They may expect some bleeding, nasal pressure, and pain for the first few days. Steady, persistent bleeding and severe pain should be reported to the doctor. Patients may also experience temporary congestion.
After endoscopic sinus surgery, the surgeon will instruct the patient to use a saline nasal spray and a sinus irrigation kit. These may be purchased over-the-counter. Patients should follow the doctor's directions regarding how often to use these products. A full recovery will typically take one to two weeks. During this time, you must refrain from blowing your nose or moderately strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting.
Talk to your doctor about the potential risks of endoscopic sinus surgery. As with any procedure, there is a possibility of infection and bleeding. Rarely, some patients may experience a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which requires surgery to repair. Some people may notice temporary or permanent changes in vision or smell after the procedure.