Our Summary

This research paper discusses improvements in endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery - a procedure to treat sinus problems by inserting a thin tube through the nose. The progress has been made due to a better understanding of the small-scale anatomy of the nose, advances in medication used alongside surgery, and improvements in the technology used. The paper also discusses ongoing research into new types of stents and spacers - small devices inserted during surgery to keep the sinuses open or to deliver medication. The paper reviews the current state of these developments and their potential therapeutic benefits.

FAQs

  1. What is endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery and how is it performed?
  2. What advancements have been made in endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery according to the research paper?
  3. What are the new types of stents and spacers being researched for use in sinus surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications, preparing for anesthesia, and following guidelines for post-operative care such as keeping the nasal passages clean and taking prescribed medications on time. Compliance with these instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery include those who have chronic sinusitis that does not improve with medication, nasal polyps that are causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing or loss of smell, structural abnormalities in the nose that are causing blockages, or recurrent sinus infections. Additionally, patients with severe sinus issues that are affecting their quality of life or causing complications such as sinus headaches, facial pain, or vision problems may also be recommended for sinus surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo sinus surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by an otolaryngologist, which may include imaging tests like CT scans to assess the extent of sinus disease.
  3. Otolaryngologist recommends endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery as a treatment option for the chronic sinusitis.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery, during which the surgeon uses a thin tube with a camera to remove diseased tissue and open up the sinuses.
  2. Patient may experience mild discomfort and congestion in the days following surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and nasal sprays.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including nasal irrigation and avoiding strenuous activities.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the otolaryngologist to monitor healing and assess the effectiveness of the surgery.
  5. Patient experiences improvements in sinus symptoms, such as reduced nasal congestion, improved breathing, and decreased facial pain over time.
  6. Patient may require additional treatments or procedures in the future to maintain sinus health, such as balloon sinuplasty or revision sinus surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of sinus surgery is recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sinus surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what should I expect during the post-operative period?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. How successful is endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery in treating sinus problems?
  7. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of symptom relief and improvement in quality of life?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the surgery?
  9. How experienced are you in performing endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery?
  10. Are there any ongoing research studies or clinical trials related to sinus surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Hosemann W, Kühnel T, Weber R. Journal: Laryngorhinootologie. 2018 Sep;97(9):606-614. doi: 10.1055/a-0646-4223. Epub 2018 Sep 5. PMID: 30184579