Sinus Surgery
What is Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is a surgical procedure performed on patients whose sinuses become frequently infected despite repeated medical treatments. However, this surgery is not performed on everyone who says “I have sinusitis.” In most cases, except for rare complications, it is not an urgent procedure and alternative treatments are tried first.
Proper patient selection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for the success of this surgery. Deciding based only on examination or imaging results may be misleading. However, when performed with the correct technique, sinus surgery can provide very successful outcomes.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Symptoms of sinusitis may vary from patient to patient. Some patients experience postnasal drip, while during infected periods yellow or green nasal discharge, headache, facial pain, and nasal congestion may occur.
Nasal problems causing sinusitis can be diagnosed through endoscopic examination. Thin endoscopes allow visualization of sinus pathways and identification of obstructions. In recurrent cases, a CT scan is used to map the sinuses and plan the surgery accordingly.
When is the Right Time for Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is generally considered when there is no improvement with medication. Surgery is not performed during the acute infection phase. The ideal timing is when the mucosa is calm and the infection is under control.
At this stage, bleeding risk is lower and the surgical field is clearer. In patients with nasal polyps, the best time for surgery is when corticosteroid sprays have reduced the size of the polyps as much as possible.
How is Sinus Surgery Performed?
Sinus surgery is a delicate procedure requiring technical skill and experience. The bones forming the sinus cavities are extremely thin. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to clean these areas and restore normal sinus function.
During surgery, endoscopic visualization is used. Tissue is removed using shaver devices, conchae may be reduced with laser techniques, and advanced navigation systems can be used for complex skull base procedures. However, surgical success mainly depends on the surgeon’s experience and up-to-date knowledge.
The operation usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on the extent of disease. Absorbable nasal packing materials are placed, and the patient is usually observed in the hospital for one night before discharge.
Postoperative Care
The first 72 hours after surgery are critical due to bleeding risk. During this period, heavy lifting, straining, and exposure to high temperatures should be avoided.
Medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly. Saline nasal sprays are recommended to keep the nasal mucosa moist. In allergic patients or those with polyps, corticosteroid sprays may be started from the second week.
Postoperative care plays a crucial role in surgical success. Multiple follow-up visits and cleanings may be required within the first month to remove crusts and maintain sinus drainage pathways.
Success of Sinus Surgery
With proper follow-up and care, the success rate of sinus surgery is quite high. Regular check-ups every 6–9 days are recommended, and the recovery process may vary from patient to patient.
