Sinus Surgery - Information & Specialists

Generally speaking, the sinuses do not cause any problems in healthy people. They are air-filled and normally clear. 

If acute but harmless conditions occur, the sinuses may swell slightly or become blocked for a short period of time. However, this does not yet require surgery. 

Surgery is also not necessary for allergies, as antiallergic medications can alleviate or completely eliminate the symptoms.

Surgery is only recommended if chronic sinusitis develops. 

If inflammation occurs frequently, the inner tissue of the nose may scar or develop polyps. As a result, secretions can no longer drain properly, and airflow is impaired. 

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, surgery may be recommended. 

The most common symptoms of sinusitis are pain, tenderness, a stuffy nose, and headaches @ Prostock-studio /AdobeStock

Sinus surgery may be considered in the following cases:

• Airflow is severely reduced on one or both sides
• The sense of smell is significantly diminished, or
• Secretions can no longer drain properly

In such cases, the earlier the surgical procedure is performed, the lower the risk of complications. This helps prevent chronic sinusitis from worsening and becoming persistent.

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent future inflammation. 

Of course, sinus infections can always occur, but this procedure can remove existing damage and mitigate future episodes.

The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Using an endoscope inserted into the nose, the ENT specialist gains a clear view of the inside of the nose. 

Next, the ENT specialist enlarges the sinuses so that future colds or other types of swelling do not cause significant discomfort. 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 mucus to drain properly.

Often, the doctor corrects abnormalities of the turbinates or the nasal septum (deviated septum) during the operation. 

Nowadays, the surgery is no longer performed through an external incision but rather using instruments inserted into the nose. This approach reduces the burden on the patient and allows for faster healing.

Another method of sinus surgery involves the use of a balloon catheter. The doctor carefully inserts this into the nose, where they inflate it under high pressure. 

The previously narrowed area expands. The mucus that has accumulated inside the nose loosens and can drain again.

The surgery usually lasts between 20 minutes and two hours @ romaset /AdobeStock

Generally, the doctor inserts packing after the surgery to stop bleeding. You can usually remove this packing within the first two days. 

Keep in mind that your sinuses may still be irritated or swollen in the weeks that follow. Therefore, you should apply the prescribed ointments regularly as directed. 

Saline rinses can also help heal and disinfect the mucous membranes. However, you should only perform these after consulting your doctor first.

If scarring or polyps were the cause of your symptoms, the use of a cortisone nasal spray is recommended. 

This can help prevent a sudden recurrence of inflammation. The better the wounds heal, the less likely it is that follow-up treatment or surgery will be necessary.

While the wound is healing, follow-up visits to your ENT doctor are essential. During these visits, the doctor will assess the healing process and suction out the nasal secretions if necessary. 

If you experience any unusual sensations or have unanswered questions, do not hesitate to contact your treating physician.

Serious complications are extremely rare under normal circumstances. Sometimes, nasal breathing may be impaired shortly after the surgery. 

However, this subsides as soon as there is no more blood remaining in the nose. Bleeding in the eye or on the cheek also occurs occasionally. 

After 2–3 weeks, breathing should return to normal and any bleeding should subside.

Rare aftereffects include increased tearing or visual disturbances. 

In extremely rare cases, the following complications may occur:

• Meningitis
• Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
• Sensory disturbances or 
• Blindness

In general, sinus surgery is a low-risk procedure in terms of complications and aftereffects.

The prognosis for sinus surgery is generally favorable. Direct follow-up treatment or further corrective procedures are rarely necessary. 

However, there is a possibility that new scar tissue or polyps may form, requiring another surgical procedure. 

Therefore, it is important to consult an ENT specialist and have your sinuses examined if new symptoms arise. This is the only way to ensure long-term treatment success.

Sinus surgery is advisable if it significantly and permanently improves the patient’s health.

If you are experiencing symptoms caused by chronic sinusitis, make an appointment with your ENT specialist as soon as possible. 

They can competently and reliably determine whether surgery is necessary.