Nose Treatments

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure used to remove blockages in the sinuses. These blockages may cause pain, drainage, recurring infections, impaired breathing or loss of smell.

Sinus surgery is used to relieve symptoms associated with:

• Sinusitis and nasal polyps
• Nasal congestion
• Nasal obstruction
• Recurrent or chronic sinus infections
• Nasal tumors

Goals of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

This procedure is designed to improve the drainage of the sinuses and to improve airflow through the nose. The goals of endoscopic sinus surgery include:

• Reduction in the number and severity of sinus infections
• Improvement in symptoms associated with sinusitis
• Improvement of airflow through the nose
• Improvement in the sense of smell
• Access for nasal rinses to reach the sinus cavities for cleaning and medication delivery

During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It does not include cutting the skin, because it is performed entirely through the nostrils. Most people can return home the same day.

The sinus surgeon will use an endoscope — a thin camera rod with a light at the end — to magnify and better see the sinus tissues. Specialized instruments open the sinuses widely by safely and effectively removing causes of sinus blockage like mucous membrane swelling, nasal polyps and scar tissue. Specialized instruments are also used, if required, to straighten the septum and reduce the size of the turbinates (boney structures inside of the sinuses).