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Getting To Grips With Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

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Endoscopic surgery is carried out by a sinus specialist who uses a specialized instrument, known as an endoscope, which has transformed nasal and nose plastic procedures. This instrument allows the sinus specialist to see unsurpassed footage of both the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses drainage pathways.

Before this tool was introduced on the medical scene, a sinus specialist had to solely rely on using a headlight when closely examining the nose. An endoscope allows the natural drainage passageways to be enlarged, rather than past methods where unnatural drainage holes were created and mucosa was stripped.

When Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Needed?

Surgery is required by a sinus specialist if infection or nasal polyposis is still apparent after all other medical treatments have failed. In recent years this surgery has been improved because of the following factors;

  • Improved knowledge of the natural drainage passageways from the sinuses (previous surgery did not take this into consideration).
  • A sinus specialist will now aim to restore natural functionality and anatomy to the nose
  • A more accurate diagnosis can be made with better imaging techniques including CT and MRI scans
  • Advanced technology and tools allow for a more accurate surgery with less bleeding

Healthy mucosa is essential in order to maintain a functioning nose, but in the past (because of the lack of medical knowledge) this vital fluid used to be stripped away, but these days a sinus specialist knows better than to remove it. If removed then there will be fragile exposed bone which scar tissue will easily form on.

Risks

As with any surgery, operations carried out by a sinus specialist do have associated potential risks, but by sticking to the surgeon’s guidelines you can dramatically reduce the chance of a health issue developing. The main risk is the damage that can be caused to surrounding structures including;

  • Orbit and anterior skull base
  • Optic nerve
  • Internal carotid artery

If any of these areas are seriously damaged then this can lead to severe potential complications, where additional treatment will be required.

Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Successful?

If carried out by a highly experienced and trained sinus specialist the results of this surgery can be very successful. The main aim of surgery is to preserve the essential nasal mucosa, ensuring that it is healthy in order to restore functionality back to the nose.

If you are experiencing problems with your nose then it is highly recommended that you make an appointment with a sinus specialist as soon as possible.