Nasal & Sinus Surgery

Chronic sinusitis is a complex disease entity that is the result of recurrent or ongoing infections or inflammation in the sinuses. Often this is treated with topical or oral medications, but sometimes surgery is necessary.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is usually performed under general anesthesia. In a FESS, all the surgery is typically done through the nose using small telescopes viewed on video screens. Sometimes a computer aided navigation tool is used to assist the surgeon. During surgery, delicate manipulations are performed to remove diseased or obstructing bone and tissue to open the sinuses and improve drainage. Polyps and swollen tissue as well as diseased secretions are also removed. This not only removes diseased tissue and improves drainage, but also allows for better penetration of topical medications after surgery. Typically you go home the same day and are seen about a week later for reinspection and to clean the sinuses in the office.

Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that uses balloons to dilate narrow sinus passages. It can be effective at relieving some symptoms of chronic sinusitis which are due to bony obstructions. Balloon Sinuplasty allows patients to return to normal activities quickly. Unlike conventional sinus surgery, it does not include removal of bone or tissue from the nose, although sometimes it can be combined with traditional sinus surgery. Balloon Sinuplasty is sometimes performed in the office under local anesthesia.

A deviated septum refers to an obstruction caused by a bend or fracture in the nasal septum. The septum is a structure made of cartilage and bone that divides the right and left sides of the nose. When it is deviated, it obstructs proper airflow. Depending on what needs to be fixed, there are a few different types of surgeries that your doctor may recommend. 

The surgical straightening of the septum is called a septoplasty, which is done to improve breathing. Other more rare reasons this is done include chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, or headaches. A septoplasty is done entirely through tiny incisions made inside the nose.

A septorhinoplasty (septoplasty with a rhinoplasty) is performed to improve both the external appearance and internal breathing capabilities of the nose. The rhinoplasty portion refers to the external bones and cartilages of the nose, and often these are repaired not only for cosmetic reasons but also to improve the nasal airway. Most of the incisions are inside the nose, but in an open rhinoplasty, a tiny incision is sometimes made on the columella (outside bridge of the nose) as well.

Both types of these procedures are typically done under general anesthesia. You can usually go home the same day. Your surgeon will review postoperative care and expectations with you.

A turbinoplasty is another surgery that may be needed to restore proper breathing and sinus drainage. The turbinates are small tissue-covered bones in the nose that normally help warm and humidify the air we breathe. But when they become too large, a turbinoplasty may be done to shrink the tissue and improve breathing. This surgery is done using special instruments to reduce the large turbinate to a more appropriate size. This is a very delicate surgery because of how important the turbinates are to the proper breathing and sinus function.

Rest assured, our skilled ENT specialists will take good care of you before, during, and after any surgical procedure you may need. If you have any questions, please call your clinic location or visit our online collection of Patient Resources for more information on Nasal and Sinus Surgery.