Our Summary

The number of nose-related medical procedures performed in an office setting has significantly increased over the past ten years. It’s important for ear, nose, and throat doctors to choose the right patients for these procedures and understand which nose conditions can be treated this way. Doctors need to stay updated about new technologies and how to use them properly in their offices. This paper discusses issues related to common in-office sinus procedures, as well as practical information on how to set up for these procedures and how to get paid for them. Some of the procedures mentioned include balloon catheter dilation, cryotherapy, and the use of steroid-releasing implants.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the common office-based sinus procedures?
  2. What are some technological advances in office-based rhinology?
  3. What factors should be considered in patient selection for in-office sinus procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the nasal passages moist, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed medications as directed. Additionally, patients should follow up with their doctor for scheduled appointments to monitor their progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for sinus surgery include those with chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medical management, recurrent acute sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, or sinus tumors. Additionally, patients with structural abnormalities of the sinuses, such as a narrow sinus opening or blocked sinuses, may benefit from sinus surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist to determine if they are appropriate candidates for sinus surgery.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Initial consultation: The patient meets with an otolaryngologist to discuss symptoms, medical history, and potential treatment options.

  2. Diagnostic tests: The patient may undergo imaging tests such as CT scans or endoscopy to further evaluate the sinuses.

  3. Treatment plan: The otolaryngologist discusses the results of the diagnostic tests and recommends sinus surgery as a potential treatment option.

  4. Pre-operative preparation: The patient may need to stop taking certain medications, undergo pre-operative testing, and make arrangements for post-operative care.

  5. Surgery: The patient undergoes sinus surgery, which can be performed in a hospital operating room or in an office-based setting, depending on the specific procedure.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Recovery: The patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and congestion in the days following surgery. Pain medications and nasal sprays may be prescribed to manage symptoms.

  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have follow-up appointments with the otolaryngologist to monitor healing and address any concerns.

  3. Sinus care: The patient will need to follow post-operative instructions for sinus care, including nasal irrigation and avoiding certain activities that could disrupt healing.

  4. Symptom improvement: Over time, the patient should experience relief from sinus symptoms such as congestion, facial pain, and headaches.

  5. Long-term management: The otolaryngologist may recommend ongoing sinus care, including regular check-ups and treatments to prevent recurrence of sinus problems.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific sinus issues do I have that may require surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sinus surgery?
  3. What type of sinus surgery procedure do you recommend for me, and why?
  4. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of symptom relief and recovery time?
  5. Will the surgery be performed in-office or in a hospital setting?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of sinus surgery procedure?
  8. What post-operative care will be required, and what is the expected timeline for recovery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  10. What is the success rate of this type of sinus surgery, and what are the chances of needing additional procedures in the future?

Reference

Authors: Saini AT, Citardi MJ, Yao WC, Luong AU. Journal: Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2019 Jun;52(3):473-483. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2019.02.003. Epub 2019 Mar 22. PMID: 30905564