Most people don’t think about their sinuses very often. But if you are one of the millions of people who suffer from frequent sinus problems, you may be considering sinus surgery as an option to improve your quality of life. Sinus surgery can be a life-changing procedure, but it is important to know what to expect before you make your decision. In this blog post, we will answer five common questions about sinus surgery. By answering these questions, we hope to help you decide if this procedure is right for you and give you a glimpse into what to expect during the process.
Is Sinus Surgery Right for Me?
If you have tried other treatments for your sinus problems and haven’t found relief, surgery may be an option to consider. Sinus surgery has been found to effectively treat sinus problems such as:
- chronic sinusitis
- nasal and/or sinus polyps
- fungal sinus disease
- structural issues
- obstructions or abnormal growths
Sinus surgery may benefit you if you are diagnosed with any of the aforementioned sinus conditions. Ultimately, however, this is a question that only you can answer, with the help of your doctor.
What Types of Sinus Surgery are Available?
There are several different types of sinus surgery, and the type that is right for you will depend on the severity of your condition. Types of sinus surgery include:
- Balloon sinuplasty: a minimally-invasive surgery that involves the placement of a small balloon in the sinus cavity. The balloon is then inflated, which opens up the sinus passageway and allows for drainage.
- Endoscopic sinus surgery: The most common type of sinus surgery is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). This is a minimally-invasive surgery that uses a tiny camera (endoscope) to remove blockages from the sinus cavity.
- Open sinus surgery: a traditional type of sinus surgery that involves making an incision in the tissue between the nostrils. This type of surgery is usually only performed when other methods have failed.
Do I Need to Go to the Hospital for Sinus Surgery?
In most cases, no. Balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) are usually performed in an outpatient setting and do not require hospitalization. However, if you are having a more complex procedure, such as open sinus surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a night or two.
How Long is the Recovery After Sinus Surgery?
After having sinus surgery, you can go home the same day. It is important to take it easy for the first few days after your surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and give yourself time to rest and recover. During your recovery, it is important to follow any postoperative instructions provided by your doctor to decrease the risk of complications. Most people feel well enough to return to work and their normal activities within a week or two.
What are the Risks of Sinus Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with sinus surgery. However, serious complications from sinus surgery are rare. Some of the potential risks include bleeding, infection, and damage to the surrounding structures. Before you have sinus surgery, be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor so that you can make an informed decision.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered five common questions about sinus surgery. We hope that this information has helped you to decide if sinus surgery is right for you and given you a better understanding of what to expect during the process. If you have any other questions or concerns, we encourage you to talk to your doctor to learn more. Sinus surgery can be a life-changing procedure, and we want you to make the decision that is right for you.
