Our Summary

The article reviews the benefits and challenges of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS), a less invasive method for sinus surgeries. One of the main issues with ESS is uncontrolled bleeding, which can make it difficult to see the surgical area. This can cause the operation to take longer and increase the risk of complications. The review looks at different strategies to improve the visibility during surgery and reduce possible issues. The effectiveness of these strategies is assessed based on how they impact the surgery time, blood loss, and visibility, and any side effects they may have. The article aims to provide a thorough review of the safety and effectiveness of these strategies.

FAQs

  1. What are the main challenges of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS)?
  2. What strategies are being reviewed to improve visibility during ESS and reduce possible issues?
  3. How is the effectiveness of these visibility improvement strategies assessed in the article?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications or foods, to ensure a successful surgery and recovery. Additionally, they may advise the patient to discuss any concerns or questions they have with their surgeon before the procedure to alleviate any anxiety and ensure a clear understanding of what to expect. Following post-operative care instructions, such as proper wound care and attending follow-up appointments, is also crucial for a smooth recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery include those who have chronic sinusitis that does not respond to conservative treatments such as antibiotics, nasal steroid sprays, and sinus rinses. Other conditions that may warrant sinus surgery include nasal polyps, structural abnormalities in the nasal cavity, recurrent sinus infections, and sinus cysts or tumors. Patients who experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and difficulty breathing through the nose may also benefit from sinus surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo sinus surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by an ear, nose, and throat specialist after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient visits an ENT specialist and undergoes a thorough evaluation of their sinus condition, including symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs.
  2. Treatment options are discussed, and if surgery is deemed necessary, the patient is informed about the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
  3. Pre-operative preparations are made, including instructions on fasting, medications to avoid, and any necessary tests or consultations with other healthcare providers.

During sinus surgery:

  1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
  2. The surgeon performs the endoscopic sinus surgery using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and small tools to remove blockages, inflamed tissue, or polyps from the sinuses.
  3. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but it typically lasts between 1-3 hours.

After sinus surgery:

  1. The patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications.
  2. Pain, swelling, and congestion are common in the days following surgery, and the patient is prescribed pain medications, nasal sprays, and instructions on how to care for their sinuses.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process, remove any packing or splints in the nose, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
  4. It can take several weeks to months for the sinuses to fully heal and for the patient to experience the full benefits of the surgery, including improved breathing, reduced sinus infections, and decreased sinus pressure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of sinus surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of endoscopic sinus surgery for my specific condition?
  3. How long will the recovery process be and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  5. What is your experience and expertise in performing endoscopic sinus surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery?
  7. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my chances for a successful outcome?
  8. How will my sinus symptoms likely improve after the surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unexpected symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  10. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or adjustments following the surgery to maintain the results?

Reference

Authors: Alsaleh S, Manji J, Javer A. Journal: Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2019 Feb 2;19(1):8. doi: 10.1007/s11882-019-0847-5. PMID: 30712131