Our Summary

This research paper discusses endoscopic sinus surgery, a less invasive treatment option used primarily for sinusitis and polyp growth that doesn’t respond to medication. The surgery can include a variety of procedures, which can often be performed all at once. However, there can be complications from the surgery, and so radiological imaging (like X-rays, CT scans etc.) is crucial to assess the patient after the operation. The paper reviews what normal and abnormal results from these post-surgery images might look like.

FAQs

  1. What is endoscopic sinus surgery primarily used for?
  2. What types of radiological imaging are used to assess the patient after the sinus surgery?
  3. What do normal and abnormal results look like on post-surgery images?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, avoiding strenuous activities, and keeping the nasal passages clean and moist. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in condition to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for sinus surgery are those who have chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medication, recurring sinus infections, nasal polyps that are causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing or frequent sinus infections, or structural issues in the nose and sinuses that are causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chronic sinus infections.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine if sinus surgery is the best treatment option for them. The decision to undergo sinus surgery should be made in collaboration with the patient’s healthcare provider after considering the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Overall, sinus surgery can be an effective treatment option for patients with chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps that do not respond to medication. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for post-operative care and to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure optimal healing.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, congestion, and nasal discharge.
  2. Patient undergoes a consultation with an ENT specialist who recommends sinus surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are performed to assess the extent of the sinus issues and to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the nasal passages to remove blockages and polyps.
  2. Patient may experience mild discomfort, congestion, and nasal drainage in the days following the surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the effectiveness of the surgery.
  4. Radiological imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, may be performed to evaluate the surgical outcome and detect any complications.
  5. Patient may require additional treatments or medications to manage symptoms and prevent recurrent sinus issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sinus surgery:

  1. What specific type of sinus surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery time after sinus surgery?
  4. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific post-operative care plan?
  5. How will you monitor my progress after the surgery?
  6. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities I should be aware of after the surgery?
  7. How long do the effects of sinus surgery typically last?
  8. What can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort during the recovery period?
  9. Will I need any follow-up procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with sinus surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ginat DT. Journal: Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2015 Nov;25(4):653-65. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2015.07.008. Epub 2015 Aug 22. PMID: 26476384