There are many variables that affect the cost of sinus surgery. Among them are the specific type of surgery the patient needs and whether or not it will involve traditional or endoscopic surgery techniques; endoscopic procedures use tiny cameras and special instruments and can often take place through the nostrils instead of an outside incision. Other factors that can affect the costs are required follow-up treatments and medication as well the time the patient spends in the hospital. Additionally, the cost of sinus surgery may vary depending on the surgeon who provides it, the facility in which the surgery takes place, and even such factors as the country or region in which the surgery is performed.
There are various types of sinus surgery, and the type a person undergoes will likely influence its costs. For example, a person may undergo an ethmoidectomy to get rid of tissue or bone that has become infected in the ethmoid sinuses, which are located between a person's eyes. Another procedure called a maxillary antrostomy serves to clear the sinuses located behind a person's cheekbones. These surgeries, as well as others a surgeon performs, vary in cost based on the type of anesthesia used, the length of the procedure and the number of attending medical staff required for the surgery, among other factors. Additionally, surgeries that use endoscopic rather than traditional techniques may also affect the cost — endoscopic procedures often cost less.
The needs of the patient after sinus surgery may also factor into its costs. For example, after surgery, a person will likely spend some time in a recovery room and may or may not need hospitalization. He may also need a range of medication and follow-up care. The cost of sinus surgery may also include payment for care needed because of complications in the case that something goes wrong with the surgery or the patient develops an infection.
In many cases, the cost of sinus surgery also varies based on the practitioner who performs it. Often, a very experienced surgeon with an excellent reputation can charge more for surgeries than someone who is just getting started or does not have such good references. Likewise, the more in demand a surgeon is, the more leeway he may have with charging more for his procedures. Additionally, the cost of sinus surgery may depend on the facility in which it is performed and the type of insurance coverage the patient has, including the cost of his copays. Even the country and region in which a person has sinus surgery may affect its costs.
