Sinus surgery is reserved for those patients who have undergone medical therapy and continue to have bothersome symptoms and evidence of residual disease. This often happens when the natural tract connecting the sinus cavity to the nose becomes obstructed, preventing adequate drainage and causing infected secretions to accumulate in the sinus. The aim of sinus surgery is to open up these blocked sinus drainage pathways—clearing the current infection and helping prevent future infections.
Regardless of the method used, endoscopic sinus surgery has come a very long way since its introduction in the 1980’s. It has a remarkably good safety profile, and requires much less down time than in days past. Gone are the days of nasal packing, black eyes, extensive bleeding and prolonged discomfort. All surgery is done endoscopically (through the nostrils), and is minimally-invasive by its very nature. Oftentimes, absorbable nasal dressings are used after surgery that maintain natural nasal breathing, prevent bleeding and limit scar tissue formation—all while eliminating the need for painful packing removal.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (also known as “FESS”) may be indicated for chronic or recurrent acute sinusitis when medical management fails. FESS is a wonderful option for many with chronic sinus issues, as the technique offers flexibility to appropriately treat almost any sinus problem that presents. The basic goal of a FESS procedure is the surgical enlargement of the small openings that connect diseased sinuses to the nasal cavity. It involves some minimal and select tissue removal, but preserves natural nasal and sinus anatomy as much as possible. It can be used to address every affected sinus, and can easily be combined with other procedures to improve the nasal airway, including nasal septoplasty and turbinate reduction.
Call Midwest ENT Centre at (636) 441-3100 for more information or to schedule an appointment.