Sinus CT Scan Before Nose Surgery

Understanding the Role of CT Scans in Assessing Sinus and Nose Problems for Surgical Evaluation

Dr Kleid, an experienced ENT surgeon, often recommends a CT scan of the sinuses as part of the diagnostic process before surgical intervention.

This non-invasive imaging technique plays a crucial role in visualizing the upper airway and identifying any abnormalities or underlying conditions that may require treatment.

Understanding the complexity of the upper airway and the significance of the paranasal sinuses is essential in understanding the need for a CT scan.

Below is information explaining the importance of this imaging tool and how it can benefit your treatment plan.

The Complex Upper Airway

The upper airway is a sophisticated network, and the nose serves as a vital entry point. Connected to the nose are the paranasal sinuses, a system of hollow, air-filled cavities with various functions.

Alongside moisturizing the air we breathe, these sinuses also aid in the absorption of certain substances. However, this intricate system leaves us susceptible to infections, inflammations, and allergies that can develop into chronic nasal and sinus conditions, such as sinusitis.

The Role of CT Scans

ENT surgeons rely on Computed Tomography (CT) scans as a highly reliable imaging technique for assessing sinus and nose problems. By providing detailed cross-sectional images of the sinuses, CT scans offer a comprehensive view of the structures and abnormalities within the upper airway.

This advanced imaging technology allows for a precise evaluation of the sinuses and aids in determining the most suitable surgical procedure for your condition.

Benefits for Treatment

A Sinus CT scan, or Computed Tomography scan, provides a comprehensive view of the sinuses, allowing ENT specialists like Dr Kleid to assess and diagnose various sinus-related conditions accurately.

Below we explore the benefits and capabilities of Sinus CT scans in evaluating ENT problems and guiding treatment decisions.

  • Painless and Non-Invasive
    • A Sinus CT scan is a painless and non-invasive procedure.
    • Unlike other imaging tests, it does not require contrast injections.
  • Visualizing Abnormalities
    • This imaging technique utilizes X-ray technology to produce clear and detailed images, capturing surrounding soft tissues, nasal septum, blood vessels, and paranasal sinuses with exceptional clarity and precision.
    • They allow the surgeon to identify any structural abnormalities, blockages, or anatomical variations that may contribute to your symptoms.
  • Assessing the Sinus Groups
    • A Sinus CT scan enables Dr Kleid to assess different sinus groups in detail, including:
      • Frontal Sinuses: Located in the forehead region.
      • Maxillary Sinuses: Situated inside the cheekbones.
      • Ethmoid Sinuses: Found on either side of the nose, near the eye sockets.
      • Sphenoid Sinuses: Deep within the nasal cavity, approximately 7 cm from the nostrils.
  • Determining Severity
    • The extent and severity of sinus and nasal conditions can be accurately assessed through CT scans, aiding in the development of an appropriate treatment plan.
  • Guiding Surgical Approach
    • With a closer look at the sinuses, CT scans assist the surgeon in planning the surgical intervention, determining the optimal technique, and ensuring precise targeting of the affected areas.
  • Preoperative Evaluation
    • By thoroughly examining the upper airway, CT scans help identify potential complications or associated conditions that may impact the surgical procedure, allowing for appropriate preoperative planning.

Limitations in Assessing Septal Deviations

While Sinus CT scans are highly effective in evaluating sinus-related issues, it is important to note that they have limitations in assessing some septal deviations. Other diagnostic methods may be recommended in such cases to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

In the evaluation of sinus and nose problems, a CT scan plays a vital role in visualizing the complexities of the upper airway and pinpointing abnormalities. Dr Kleid recognizes the significance of this diagnostic tool in determining the best course of action for your condition. By utilizing CT scans, he gains valuable insights into your sinus and nasal health, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan.

sinusitis-ct-scan-Dr-Kleid

Is a Sinus CT Scan necessary before Nose Surgery?

While it may not be absolutely necessary in all cases, it provides valuable information that helps guide surgical decisions and ensures a safe and successful procedure.

Some reasons why a sinus CT scan is recommended before nose surgery, include:

  1. Comprehensive Assessment
    • A sinus CT scan allows for a detailed evaluation of the nasal sinuses, including their size, shape, and any abnormalities.
    • It provides a clear visualization of the structures that may be directly affected during nose surgery.
  2. Precise Location
    • The scan helps in precisely locating any obstructions, growths, or anatomical variations within the sinuses.
  3. Treatment Customization
    • By having a sinus CT scan, Dr Kleid can tailor the surgical procedure to your specific needs, ensuring optimal outcomes and minimizing the risk of complications.
  4. Preventing Complications
    • The sinus CT scan helps identify any underlying sinus or nasal conditions that may affect the surgical outcome.
  5. Surgical Safety
    • Nose surgery involves delicate structures, and a sinus CT scan provides the surgeon with a clear understanding of the patient’s nasal anatomy, enabling precise planning and safer execution of the procedure.

While the ultimate decision to undergo a sinus CT scan before nose surgery rests with the surgeon, it is highly recommended to ensure comprehensive preoperative assessment and to optimize surgical outcomes.

Common Nasal Conditions Assessed with Sinus CT Scan

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is an upper respiratory airway infection. Either a common cold or seasonal allergy (allergic rhinitis) can lead to inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nasal cavity.

If you have rhinitis, you may experience:

  • Runny nose
  • Stuffy or congested nose
  • Temporary loss of your sense of smell

CT scan is not usually needed to diagnose or treat rhinitis. However, if the symptoms persist for a long time, and Dr Kleid suspects an underlying pathology, a sinus CT might help.

Acute Sinusitis

Acute Sinusitis is a short-term (lass than 6 weeks) inflammation of your sinuses, usually signifying infection. The swelling of your sinuses causes a build-up of mucus, which then interferes with your normal sinus drainage and ventilation, leading to a stuffy nose.

Symptoms of sinusitis often include:

  • Nasal obstruction
  • Nasal discharge
  • Facial discomfort, or pain
  • Fever
  • Malaise, weakness

Several factors can inflame or irritate your nasal passages and sinuses, such as allergies, environmental pollutants, or sinus infections (bacterial sinusitis or fungal sinusitis).

Treating chronic sinusitis may involve medication for your allergic reaction or antimicrobial therapy.

If surgical intervention is necessary, Dr Kleid may perform either a functional endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty to remove the obstruction and promote drainage.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses characterized by persistent symptoms lasting at least 12 consecutive weeks.

  1. Facial pain/pressure
  2. Hyposmia/anosmia (reduced sense of smell)
  3. Nasal obstruction
  4. Nasal drainage, especially post-nasal drip (also called “catarrh”).
  5. Patients also often feel quite tired.

A sinus CT scan is valuable in assessing the extent of mucosal swelling, identifying polyps, and determining the appropriate treatment, which may include medical management or endoscopic sinus surgery.

Treatment aims to improve muco-ciliary clearance (mucous drainage). We often use nasal irrigation to clear your nasal passages or intranasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation. Dr Kleid may also perform endoscopic sinus surgery, at the time of Septoplasty, or Septo-Rhinoplasty. With the help of an endoscope, a small lighted camera, he can view and surgically enlarge your paranasal sinuses for better ventilation and drainage.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses, often associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. A sinus CT scan can help visualize the size, location, and extent of nasal polyps, assisting in treatment decisions, such as the use of corticosteroids or surgical removal. These growths are more common in patients with asthma, allergies, or repeated infections in your nasal passages. Chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis are often associated with nasal polyps.

If a nasal polyp enlarges, it may cause obstruction and subsequently:

  • Headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Nasal congestion, stuffy nose
  • Runny nose

Larger nasal polyps may be severe enough to interrupt your breathing during sleep (sleep apnea) and cause snoring.

Typically, we prescribe corticosteroids to shrink the polyps. If non-operative measures don’t work, or only help temporarily, Dr Kleid can do endoscopic sinus surgery to remove your nasal polyps.

How is a Sinus CT Scan performed?

When you arrive for a sinus CT scan, you will be provided with a hospital gown to wear during the procedure. It’s important to remove any metallic items, such as jewelry, hairpins, and eyeglasses, as they can interfere with the X-rays.

The CT machine is typically shaped like a large vertical donut, with a table that moves in and out of the tunnel at its center.

What you can expect during the sinus CT scan

  • Positioning
    • A radiology technician will guide you to the examination table, where you will be positioned either lying on your back or face-down with your chin elevated. The technician will ensure that you are comfortable and properly aligned for the scan.
  • Table Movement
    • The exam table will move slowly through the CT scanner’s tunnel.
    • The machine may make several passes to capture the necessary images.
  • Contrast Injections
    • In the case of a sinus CT scan, contrast injections are generally not required.
    • The scan primarily focuses on capturing detailed images of the sinuses and neighboring structures without the need for contrast agents.
  • Duration
    • The entire process typically takes around 10 minutes to complete.
    • During this time, the CT scanner captures high-quality 2D and sometimes 3D cross-sectional images of your body.
    • These images are later interpreted and reported by a radiologist, who provides the findings to Dr Kleid.

Throughout the procedure, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by the radiology technician to ensure accurate and reliable results. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to communicate with the technician or the medical staff present.

Risks of a Sinus CT Scan

The CT sinus scan is a generally safe and painless diagnostic procedure. However, like any medical procedure, there are some risks to consider.

One potential risk is the exposure to a small dose of radiation during the scan. It’s important to note that the radiation dose from a sinus CT scan is relatively low. Nevertheless, if you are pregnant, there is a potential risk of harm to the unborn baby. It is crucial to inform the medical team about your pregnancy or potential pregnancy before undergoing a sinus CT scan.

During your consultation, Dr Kleid and the medical team will thoroughly review your medical history to determine if a sinus CT scan is appropriate for you. This assessment helps ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and helps avoid any potential complications. Dr Kleid prioritizes the safety of his patients by carefully weighing the risks and benefits of a sinus CT scan to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How much does a Sinus CT Scan Cost?

Cost-of-ENT Surgery

For patients in Australia, sinus CT scans and other diagnostic ENT imaging tests are usually mostly covered by Medicare and most major insurance providers.

A sinus CT is usually considered a medical necessity in certain ENT conditions, like chronic sinusitis.

It is important to diagnose upper airway abnormalities and plan the surgery. Therefore, sinus scans are usually eligible for rebates.

FAQs

References

Why Choose Dr Kleid?

Dr Stephen Kleid,
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty,
Melbourne.
MED0001052799

Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty and a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.

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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.