Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Sinusitis and Nasal Blockage
Sinus surgery is performed to remove diseased or blocked sinus tissue and restore proper drainage within the sinus cavities. When medications fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be the most effective treatment option for improving breathing, reducing infections, and relieving chronic sinus pressure.
Most procedures today are performed using endoscopic sinus surgery, a minimally invasive technique that allows your ENT specialist to operate through the nostrils without external incisions.
What Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) uses a small camera (endoscope) inserted through the nose to provide a detailed view of the sinus passages. Specialized instruments are then used to:
- Remove infected or damaged sinus tissue
- Remove nasal polyps or abnormal growths
- Clear blocked sinus openings
- Improve sinus drainage and airflow
Because the procedure is performed internally, it offers:
- Greater precision
- No external scarring
- Faster recovery time
- Fewer postoperative side effects
When Is Sinus Surgery Recommended?
You may be advised to consider sinus surgery if you have:
- Chronic sinusitis lasting 12 weeks or longer
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Nasal polyps
- Blocked sinus passages
- Infected or damaged sinus tissue
- A foreign object in the nasal cavity (more common in children)
- Persistent sinus symptoms that do not improve with medication
While many patients with sinusitis improve with medical treatment, surgery may be recommended when symptoms persist despite several weeks of therapy.
How Extensive Will My Sinus Surgery Be?
The extent of sinus surgery depends on:
- The severity of sinus blockage
- The presence of nasal polyps
- Structural nasal issues
- The degree of infection or inflammation
Some patients require only limited removal of infected tissue, while others may need additional bone removal to widen sinus openings and improve drainage.
Your ENT specialist will create a personalized surgical plan based on imaging and examination findings.
Where Is Sinus Surgery Performed?
Sinus surgeries are performed in an outpatient setting at our Southfield medical facility. Most patients go home the same day.
Before surgery, we will:
- Review your medical history
- Discuss the type of anesthesia that is safest and most effective for you
- Review medications you may need to stop before surgery (including over-the-counter and prescription medications)
What Happens During Sinus Surgery?
On the day of surgery:
- Anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable and asleep during the procedure.
- Your vital signs are continuously monitored.
- The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on complexity.
Sinus Surgery Recovery and Aftercare
After sinus surgery, it is normal to experience:
- Mild to moderate swelling
- Nasal congestion
- Light bleeding for several days
Some patients will have temporary nasal packing to control bleeding. Your provider will explain when it can be safely removed.
Recovery time depends on how extensive the surgery was, but many patients begin feeling improvement within three to five days.
To ensure proper healing and prevent complications:
- Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits
Benefits of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
- Improved sinus drainage
- Reduced sinus infections
- Better breathing
- Relief from chronic sinus pressure and congestion
- Minimally invasive approach with faster recovery
If you continue to experience chronic sinus pressure, infections, or nasal blockage despite medication, an evaluation with an ENT specialist can determine whether endoscopic sinus surgery is right for you.