Our Summary

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis, a condition causing the sinuses to become inflamed or infected. Small amounts of bleeding during this operation can obstruct the surgeon’s vision and potentially damage surrounding structures. Lowering the patient’s blood pressure during the surgery can help reduce blood loss. This study compared the use of a drug called propofol with other methods for reducing blood pressure during FESS. The researchers found that propofol did not noticeably decrease blood loss or operation time. However, it did slightly improve the conditions for the surgeon by reducing bleeding. It was also more successful at reaching the desired blood pressure. However, the quality of the evidence was low, so more research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be made.

FAQs

  1. What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) used for?
  2. What is the role of propofol in FESS, according to the study?
  3. What further research is needed in relation to the use of propofol in FESS?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important for patients undergoing sinus surgery to follow their doctor’s recommendations for lowering blood pressure before the procedure to help minimize the risk of complications. This may include following a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain medications that can increase blood pressure. Additionally, it is important for patients to communicate with their doctor about any concerns or questions they may have before undergoing sinus surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended sinus surgery typically have chronic sinusitis that does not improve with other treatments such as medications or nasal sprays. They may experience symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Patients with nasal polyps, deviated septum, or other structural issues that block the sinuses may also be candidates for sinus surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo sinus surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by an ENT specialist after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, headaches, and post-nasal drip.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends sinus surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative testing and evaluation are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and to determine the extent of the sinusitis.
  4. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative preparation, including medications to avoid, fasting guidelines, and post-operative care.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the FESS procedure under general anesthesia, during which the surgeon uses an endoscope to access and remove blockages in the sinuses.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and mild bleeding in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed pain medications, antibiotics, and nasal sprays to help with healing and prevent infection.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and assess the effectiveness of the surgery in relieving sinusitis symptoms.
  5. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding allergens or irritants, to prevent recurrence of sinusitis.

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. How long is the recovery period after sinus surgery?
  3. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery?
  4. What are the success rates of sinus surgery for treating chronic sinusitis?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to sinus surgery that I should consider?
  6. How experienced are you in performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific post-operative care plan?
  8. How soon can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms after the surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my medical history or condition that could affect the outcome of the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Boonmak P, Boonmak S, Laopaiboon M. Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Oct 12;10(10):CD006623. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006623.pub3. PMID: 27731501