Paranasal sinus surgery (also known as pansinus surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It can be used to treat holistic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses or to correct anatomical malformations. Normally, the stress for the patient during and after the operation is very low.
Below you will find further information on the procedure and specialists for sinus surgery.
In principle, the paranasal sinuses do not cause any problems in healthy people. They contain air and are normally free.
If acute but harmless illnesses occur, the sinuses can become slightly swollen or blocked for a short period of time. However, this does not make surgery necessary.
Surgery is also not necessary in the case of allergies, as anti-allergic medication can alleviate or completely eliminate the symptoms.
Surgery is only advisable if the sinusitis becomes chronic.
If inflammation occurs more frequently, the inner tissue of the nose can scar or develop polyps. As a result, secretions can no longer drain properly and the air supply deteriorates.
Depending on how severe the symptoms are, surgical intervention may be recommended.
The most common symptoms of sinusitis are pain, sensitivity, a blocked nose and headaches @ Prostock-studio /AdobeStock
Sinus surgery can be considered in the following cases:
The earlier the surgery is performed in this case, the fewer possible complications there are. You can thus counteract the worsening and persistence of chronic sinusitis.
The aim of treatment is to reduce the symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life as well as prevent future inflammation.
Of course, sinusitis can always occur, but previous damage can be removed and future progression alleviated.
The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia. An endoscope is inserted into the nose to give the ENT specialist a clear view of the inside of the nose.
Next, he dilates the sinuses so that there is no major discomfort in the event of a future cold or other swelling. This also makes it easier to clean and care for the sinuses.
If necessary, the ENT specialist can also remove cysts or polyps during the procedure, which allows the mucus to drain away.
The doctor often corrects malformations of the turbinate or the nasal septum(crooked nasal septum) during the operation.
Nowadays, the operation is no longer performed through an external incision, but with instruments inserted into the nose. This procedure reduces the strain on the patient and enables faster healing.
Another method of sinus surgery involves the use of a balloon catheter. The doctor carefully inserts this into the nose, where it is inflated under high pressure.
The previously constricted area expands. The accumulated mucus inside the nose is released and can flow out again .
The operation usually takes between 20 minutes and two hours @ romaset /AdobeStock
The doctor generally inserts tamponades after the operation to stop the bleeding. These can normally be removed within the first two days.
Please note that the sinuses may still be irritated or swollen in the following weeks. You should therefore apply the prescribed ointments regularly according to the prescribed medication.
Rinsing with salt water can also help to heal and disinfect the mucous membranes. However, these should only be carried out after prior consultation with your doctor.
If scarring or polyps were the cause of your symptoms, the use of a nasal spray with cortisone is recommended.
This way you can avoid a sudden recurrence of the inflammation. The better the wounds heal, the less likely it is that follow-up treatment/reoperation will be necessary.
While the wound is healing, interim visits to the ENT specialist are essential. Here, the doctor assesses the healing process. He will suction the nose if necessary.
If you have any unusual sensations or unanswered questions, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
Under normal circumstances, serious complications are extremely rare. Sometimes nasal breathing is obstructed shortly after the operation.
However, this subsides as soon as there is no more blood in the nose. Bleeding into the eye or cheek also occurs occasionally.
Breathing and bleeding should return to normal or disappearafter 2-3 weeks.
Rare after-effects are increased lacrimation or visual disturbances.
The following complications occur in extremely rare cases:
In general, sinus surgery is a low-risk procedure in terms of complications and after-effects.
The prognosis for sinus surgery is generally favorable. Direct follow-up treatment or further corrections are rarely necessary.
However, there is a possibility that new scarring or polyps may form, which may require further surgery.
It is therefore important to consult an ENT specialist and have the paranasal sinuses checked if new symptoms occur. This is the only way to guarantee long-term treatment success.
Sinus surgery makes sense if it significantly and permanently improves the patient' s state of health.
If you suffer from symptoms caused by chronic sinusitis/sinusitis, make an appointment with your ENT doctor as soon as possible.
He or she will be able to decide competently and safely whether surgical intervention is necessary.
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