Our Summary

This research study looked at what people are searching for online when it comes to two types of sinus procedures: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and balloon sinuplasty. The researchers used a tool called Ahrefs to analyze data from Google. They found that the most common search term was “sinus surgery,” followed by “balloon sinuplasty.” Most people were looking for information on treating sinusitis (a condition that causes inflammation in the sinuses) and what to expect before the surgery.

They also looked at where the information was coming from. For FESS, more answers came from academic sources, while for balloon sinuplasty, more information came from medical practice websites. The researchers used a quality assessment tool called the JAMA benchmark criteria to check the quality of these online sources.

They found that the quality of the information could be improved, especially in terms of who wrote it, where the information came from, whether there was any potential conflict of interest, and how up-to-date the information was. This study could help doctors understand what patients are looking for online and how they can better address their questions.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of sinus procedures that the research study focused on?
  2. What were the most common search terms related to sinus surgery according to the study?
  3. What did the research study reveal about the quality of online information related to sinus surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions given by the surgeon, such as stopping certain medications, avoiding food and drink before the surgery, and arranging for transportation home after the procedure. This will help ensure a successful surgery and a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery include those who have 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. Patients who experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and chronic congestion may also be candidates for sinus surgery. Ultimately, a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist is necessary to determine if sinus surgery is the best course of treatment for a patient’s specific condition.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  • Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and reduced sense of smell
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as antibiotics, nasal decongestants, and nasal irrigation
  • Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends sinus surgery as a treatment option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to assess candidacy for surgery
  • Patient receives pre-operative instructions regarding medications, fasting, and what to expect during and after surgery

After sinus surgery:

  • Patient undergoes sinus surgery, either FESS or balloon sinuplasty, under general anesthesia
  • Patient may experience mild discomfort, congestion, and nasal drainage in the immediate post-operative period
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions such as nasal irrigation, medication management, and follow-up appointments
  • Patient gradually experiences improvement in sinus symptoms over the following weeks to months
  • Patient may require additional follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any complications

Overall, sinus surgery can provide long-term relief for patients suffering from chronic sinusitis and improve their quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the specific type of sinus surgery recommended for me (FESS or balloon sinuplasty)?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to take?
  4. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  5. Will I need to take time off work or make any lifestyle changes during the recovery period?
  6. What are the success rates for this type of sinus surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  8. How many times have you performed this type of sinus surgery, and what is your success rate?
  9. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in the future?
  10. How can I best prepare for the surgery to ensure a successful outcome?
  11. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow?
  12. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Fassas SN, Peterson AM, Farrokhian N, Zonner JG, Cummings EL, Arambula Z, Chiu AG, Goyal Fox M. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Oct;167(4):777-784. doi: 10.1177/01945998221076803. Epub 2022 Feb 8. PMID: 35133898