Our Summary

This study investigates how well a fluid can reach into the sinuses before and after two types of sinus procedures. The two procedures are balloon sinuplasty, where a small balloon is inserted into the sinus and inflated to open it up, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), a minimally invasive surgery that enlarges the sinus openings.

The researchers performed these procedures on four cadaver heads and then used a special water that glows under a certain light to see how well the fluid reached into the sinuses. Three specialists then watched videos of the procedure and scored how well the fluid covered the inside of the sinuses.

The results showed that both procedures increased the amount of fluid that could reach the sinuses. However, the FESS procedure was more effective for the maxillary sinus (the largest sinus located in the cheekbone), but not for the frontal sinus (located in the forehead).

The researchers concluded that the FESS procedure might be a better option if the goal is to increase fluid access to the maxillary sinus. However, if the goal is to improve fluid access to the frontal sinuses, a different procedure might be more effective.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of sinus procedures studied in this research?
  2. Which procedure was found to be more effective for increasing fluid access to the maxillary sinus?
  3. According to the study, which procedure might be more effective for improving fluid access to the frontal sinuses?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to discuss with their surgeon which type of procedure would be best for their specific sinus issues. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of the procedure being performed and what the expected outcomes are. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, attending follow-up appointments, and communicating any concerns or complications with your doctor are important steps in ensuring a successful recovery from sinus surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who have chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, sinus tumors, or sinus blockages that do not improve with medications are typically recommended for sinus surgery. These patients may experience symptoms such as persistent facial pain, pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Additionally, patients who have recurrent sinus infections or sinusitis that affects their quality of life may also be candidates for sinus surgery.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, post-nasal drip, and headaches.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as a nasal endoscopy or CT scan to determine the extent of sinus blockage.
  3. Patient and doctor discuss treatment options, including medication, nasal sprays, and sinus surgery.
  4. Patient decides to undergo sinus surgery, either balloon sinuplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the chosen sinus procedure under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed pain medication and nasal sprays to manage symptoms.
  4. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including avoiding strenuous activities and keeping the nasal passages clean.
  5. Patient has follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  6. Patient gradually experiences improvement in sinus symptoms, with increased airflow and decreased facial pain or pressure.
  7. Patient may need additional treatments such as saline rinses or allergy management to maintain sinus health in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sinus surgery include:

  1. What are the potential benefits of balloon sinuplasty compared to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with each procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery time for each procedure?
  4. Will I need to undergo general anesthesia for the surgery?
  5. How long do the effects of each procedure typically last?
  6. What is the success rate of each procedure in improving sinus symptoms?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my specific case?
  8. How many of these procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. What can I expect in terms of post-operative care and follow-up appointments?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery to optimize results?

Reference

Authors: Gantz O, Danielian A, Yu A, Ference EH, Kuan EC, Wrobel B. Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2019 Sep;9(9):953-957. doi: 10.1002/alr.22386. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31336043