Our Summary
The research paper investigates the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), a standard treatment for chronic sinusitis, on sinus ventilation, which had not been fully understood before. The researchers used computer simulations to study how the surgery affects airflow through the sinuses after the operation. They created models based on eight patients who had undergone FESS.
The results showed that the surgery improved the amount of air that could flow through the sinuses, especially in the maxillary (cheek) and ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses. The more extensive the surgery, the better the improvement. This improvement was most noticeable when the inhalation flow rate was high, at 15 liters per minute. The size of the sinus opening also had a strong impact on the amount of airflow for the maxillary and sphenoid (behind the eyes) sinuses. However, there was hardly any airflow in the frontal (forehead) sinuses, except for one patient who had a specific type of surgery.
The researchers concluded that FESS makes the sinuses and nasal cavity work together more closely, which improves sinus ventilation. This could have significant implications for assessing and planning the surgery, and also for predicting how drugs and medical devices could be used to target the sinuses after surgery.
FAQs
- What is the main purpose of the functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) investigated in the research study?
- How does FESS affect sinus ventilation and airflow through the sinuses according to the study?
- What implications do the study’s findings have for assessing and planning sinus surgery, as well as post-surgery treatments?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean and avoiding activities that could disrupt the healing process. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns. Additionally, maintaining good nasal hygiene, such as using saline nasal sprays or rinses as recommended by the doctor, can help promote optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery include those with chronic sinusitis that has not responded to other treatments, such as medications or nasal sprays. Other conditions that may warrant sinus surgery include nasal polyps, deviated septum, sinus tumors, or recurrent sinus infections. Additionally, patients with symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing through the nose may also benefit from sinus surgery. Ultimately, a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist is necessary to determine if sinus surgery is the best course of action for an individual patient.
Timeline
Before sinus surgery, a patient typically experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headache, post-nasal drip, and decreased sense of smell. They may have tried various medications and nasal sprays to manage their symptoms without much relief.
After sinus surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion for a few days. They may need to use saline nasal sprays or rinse their sinuses with a saline solution to help with healing. As the sinuses heal, patients should start to notice a decrease in their sinusitis symptoms and an improvement in their overall quality of life. Over time, they should experience better sinus ventilation and airflow through their sinuses, leading to a reduction in sinusitis symptoms and a better sense of well-being.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sinus surgery include:
- What specific type of sinus surgery will I be undergoing and why is it recommended for me?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
- Will the surgery improve my sinus ventilation and airflow, and how will it impact my symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
- How will the surgery affect my sense of smell and taste?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
- Will I need any additional procedures or follow-up surgeries in the future?
- How will the surgery impact my overall quality of life and ability to breathe comfortably through my nose?
- What can I do to prepare for the surgery and what post-operative care will be necessary?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or medications that I should consider after the surgery to maintain the results?
Reference
Authors: Siu J, Dong J, Inthavong K, Shang Y, Douglas RG. Journal: Rhinology. 2020 Jun 1;58(3):257-265. doi: 10.4193/Rhin19.387. PMID: 32238994