What is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery refers to a medical procedure performed to address issues affecting the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull connected to the nasal passages. The purpose of sinus surgery is to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or other conditions that cause persistent inflammation, blockage, or infection in the sinuses.

Sinus surgery is often the next step/treatment option for patients who have not experienced improvement with conservative treatment of sinusitis. Conservatives treatments, include; natural sinus treatment, inhalation, tea and antibiotics, as well as, nasal drops and sinus cleansing.

The treatment approach for sinus issues depends on the underlying cause, and it is important for the doctor to tailor the method to each individual patient. Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced Ear, Nose, and Throat ENT Specialist (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne, stands out. He specializes in assisting patients with sino-nasal difficulties, bringing relief and improved well-being to those he serves. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the field, Dr Kleid has successfully performed numerous sinus surgeries. His dedication to providing personalized care and his expertise have earned him a strong reputation among his patients and peers alike.

Am I a good candidate for Sinus Surgery?

Any patient with chronic sinusitis who does not respond to therapy should seek treatment from an otorhinolaryngologist.

The operation itself depends on the extent and localization of the issue and is individually tailored for each patient. However, if you suffer from any of the below you could possibly benefit from Sinus Surgery;

  • Pressure in the face points (nose, eyes, forehead)
  • Headaches
  • Ears blockage
  • Breathing issues
  • Thick nasal drainage
  • Pain in the sinuses area
  • Toothache
  • Runny nose, snoring and sleep apnea in patients with nasal polyps

If conventional treatments are not improving your health, undergoing surgery may be a good choice to relieve your discomfort. Surgery may also be necessary, if you are experiencing distress as a result of structural deformities such as nasal septal deviation or nasal polyps.

Sinus Surgery – Is it right for you? by Dr Stephen Kleid

Benefits of Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery offers several potential benefits to individuals experiencing chronic sinus issues. These benefits can include;

Minimal Surgical Trauma

  • Sinus surgery is designed to be minimally invasive, aiming to preserve the healthy structures of the nose and sinuses.

Improved Sinus Drainage

  • By opening up the sinuses and removing blockages, sinus surgery helps to improve sinus drainage. This allows mucus to flow more freely, reducing congestion and the likelihood of recurring infections.

Enhanced Breathing

  • Sinus surgery can significantly improve nasal airflow, allowing for easier and more comfortable breathing.
  • This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have been experiencing chronic nasal congestion or obstruction.

Relief from Pressure and Pain

  • Sinus surgery can provide relief from the pressure and pain sensation associated with chronic sinus issues.
  • By addressing the underlying causes of the discomfort, individuals often experience a significant reduction in these symptoms.

Minimal to Moderate Postoperative Pain

  • While some degree of postoperative pain is normal, most patients report minimal to moderate pain following sinus surgery.
  • This discomfort can typically be managed with prescribed pain medications and resolves as the healing process progresses.

Reduced Frequency and Severity of Infections

  • By improving sinus drainage and reducing blockages, sinus surgery can help reduce the frequency and severity of nasal infections.
  • This can lead to fewer episodes of sinusitis and a decreased reliance on antibiotics for treatment.

Improved Sleep Quality

  • Chronic sinus issues can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to snoring or sleep apnea.
  • Sinus surgery can help alleviate these symptoms, leading to better sleep quality.

No Visible Scarring

  • Sinus surgery is typically performed using endoscopic techniques, which involve small incisions or no external incisions at all.
  • This means there is usually no visible scarring after the procedure.

It’s important to note that the specific benefits and outcomes of sinus surgery may vary depending on individual circumstances and the underlying condition being addressed. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional, such as an ear, nose, and throat specialist, can provide personalized information and guidance regarding the potential benefits of sinus surgery in your particular case.

Sinus Surgery before and after photos

Visit the clinic to see the real patient photo gallery of before and after Sinus Surgery photographs representing typical results our patients get. Results depend on individual and patient circumstances and can vary significantly.

Sinus Surgery Procedure

Your surgeon will make small incisions inside the nose. Then they can make new passages or open existing ones by removing polyps, cysts, small pieces of bone, or thickened mucosa. With the endoscopic technique, the operation is minimally invasive, but still sufficient to both remove pathological formations and restore normal function of the nose and nasal cavities.

The most common operation performed is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The goal of sinus surgery is to remove tissue that blocks sinus drainage.

However, in the cases of severe forms of sinus blockages or after previous sinus surgeries, image-guided surgery and Caldwell-Luc operations are also common methods.

Functional endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is minimally invasive surgery (no skin incisions). The surgeon is able to perform the procedure on the sinuses by direct visualization through the nostrils. The surgeon rinses the sinuses and expands the natural opening of the sinuses thus easing the drainage and improving the ventilation. You will be under general anesthesia for the procedure, in other words, you wont be conscious. With proper preoperative preparation and precise work of the surgeon, bleeding is minimal.

Recovery after Sinus Surgery

After the procedure, the surgeon will often pack the nose with gauze. Generally, this will stay in place for between 1 and 5 days, depending on the surgical technique and the patient.

You will be able to leave the hospital just a couple of hours after the surgery. There are no visible changes in the face in terms of swelling and bruising.

In the days after the operation, the nasal mucosa will thicken and it is necessary to use nasal drops to both relieve edema and aid recovery. Many patients will be able to resume most of their daily activities after one week, however, you shouldn’t resume physical activity for 2-3 weeks.

Complications and Risks of Sinus Surgery

It is important to ask your ENT specialist any questions that you may have. They will discuss the potential complications are risks in detail during your consultation.

Although complications are rare, they can still occur, below is a list of some of the complications that patients might experience:

  • Bleeding after the surgery
  • Loss of smell and taste
  • Double vision
  • Tearing of the eye
  • Swelling of the eye and eyelids
  • Eye hematoma
  • Infection
  • Nasal issues
  • Voice change
  • Teeth pain

Sinus Surgery Cost

The cost of sinus surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the specific procedure performed, the complexity of the case, the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the geographic location, and the healthcare facility where the surgery is conducted.

In general, sinus surgery costs can include the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees (for the operating room and hospital stay, if applicable), pre-operative and post-operative consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications.

It is important to check with your healthcare provider or surgeon to obtain a detailed breakdown of the expected costs and to confirm what is covered by your insurance, if applicable. Insurance coverage can vary, so it is crucial to understand your policy’s terms and coverage limitations.

It is worth noting that sinus surgery may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary to treat a specific condition or if it meets the criteria outlined by your insurance provider. However, coverage may vary, and prior authorization or a referral from your primary care physician may be required.

To get a precise estimate of the cost of sinus surgery in your specific situation, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider or surgeon. They can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the expected costs, available payment options, and any potential financial assistance programs that may be available.

Every patient is different, therefore the prices vary. You will receive a price quote after your first consultation. Your Sinus Surgery quote will include a breakdown of costs.

Further reading – medical resources

F.A.Q

How to find out if I Need Sinus Surgery?

  • A comprehensive review of medical history and data on the type, frequency, symptoms, and hereditary predisposition to the disease is very important in determining the diagnosis.
  • Your surgeon will need to establish whether breathing through the nose is difficult due to a functional obstruction, for example, swelling of the mucosa, polyps or deformed bones and cartilage in the nose.

How much pain there is after the FESS surgery?

  • Every person manages pain differently, therefore there is not a single answer.
  • However, most patients feel minimal pain with the proper medication after the surgery.

What are the differences between chronic and acute sinusitis?

  • Experts usually divide sinusitis into acute lasting less than 3 weeks
  • chronic, which usually lasts at least 3 to 8 weeks and can continue for months or even years,
  • and recurrent that causes several acute seizures during the year.
  • Sinus surgery treats mostly chronic cases of sinusitis.

I had Sinus Surgery and suddenly feel tooth pain. Is this normal?

  • Altered teeth sensation is something that is pretty common after Sinus Surgery. However, the symptoms usually disappear gradually in the first week post-surgery.

Why Choose Dr Kleid for Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery?

Dr Stephen Kleid
Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon (Otolaryngologist)
MED0001052799

Masada Medical Centre
26 Balaclava Road,
East St Kilda, Victoria

Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in St Kilda.

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Dr Kleid’s Procedures

How can we help?

Dr Kleid’s Team takes pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering ENT surgery. Please call the Masada in Melbourne between 9 am – 5 pm on Weekdays.

Phone Masada Hospital 03 9038 1630 or Email Dr Kleid

Disclaimer

The information presented in this article is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or concerns you may have. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on the information provided in this article. The author and publisher of this article do not warrant the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the content, and any reliance on the information presented is at your own discretion and risk.