Surgery may be a good choice for people who have long-term (chronic) sinusitis. They may get one infection after another because something blocks the flow of mucus from the sinuses or because of another health problem. Surgery can remove blockages and make the sinus openings bigger.
Some complications associated with sinus surgery include bleeding, infection, and loss of vision.
The results after FESS are good, with most studies reporting an 80 to 90 percent rate of success.
In the presence of a sinus infection, there is a small risk of developing a more complicated infection like an abscess or meningitis. All operations in the sinuses and nose carry a rare chance (about 0.1%) of creating a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Minor bleeding, pain, congestion, discharge and fatigue are common after the surgery, but should go away in one to three weeks.
Most sinus infections can clear up on their own, or with the help of antibiotics if they're caused by a bacterial infection. Saline sprays, topical nasal steroids, and over-the-counter medicines often bring relief.
You may have symptoms like a severe cold or a sinus infection. This is due to swelling, dry blood, mucus, and crusting in your nose. To help your nose and sinuses return to normal, your doctor may recommend nasal irrigation or saline sprays and antibiotic lubricants.
Orbital involvement in endoscopic sinus surgery occurs in 0.5%64 to 3% of all procedures, and represents 16% to 50% of all complications. Most common risks encountered in endoscopic sinus surgery include bleeding, infection, injury to the eye and its adnexa, cerebrospinal fluid leak, anosmia etc.
Avoid swimming for 6 weeks. Avoid sawdust, chemicals, and excessive dust for 4 weeks. Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 1 week and then ease back into these activities over 2 to 3 weeks. Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to drive.
You may have some pain and bleeding for 2 weeks after surgery. You could have less sense of smell after surgery. Serious but rare risks can include heavy bleeding, meningitis, and brain injury.
You might need surgery if you have badly damaged sinus tissue, benign growths (called polyps), a fungal infection or structural problems that are preventing your sinuses from draining.
Your nose may be sore and will bleed. You may feel "stuffed up" like you have a bad head cold. This will last for several days after surgery. The tip of your nose and your upper lip and gums may be numb.
Balloon sinuplasty allows the surgeon to dilate a blocked sinus, creating open space, which allows the sinus to drain normally. The surgeon uses a flexible endoscope with a light to guide the insertion of a thin wire. The wire is then moved through the nasal passages toward the opening of the blocked sinus.
Nasal irrigation
Rinsing out the inside of your nose with salt water can help relieve obstruction. It can also boost the effectiveness of the tiny hairs (cilia) that line the inside of your nose and help to clear mucus. Adding salt and bicarbonate of soda will feel more comfortable than plain water.
With allergy shots, the condition might get better as it reduces the reaction of the body to allergens. If the medications do not bring relief or cure the sinusitis, then doctors recommend surgery. The most prevalent ones are balloon sinuplasty and endoscopy.
This surgery can take as long as four hours, or be as short as 30 minutes, depending on the degree of sinus involvement.
Pulling off a moist scab is much more comfortable than removing a dry one. Sinus surgery can be life changing for patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
You may have some bruises around your nose and eyes. Your nose may be sore and will bleed. This may last for several days after surgery. The tip of your nose and your upper lip and gums may be numb.
Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans cover sinus surgery. Coverage usually depends on certain symptoms or a determination that sinus surgery is medically necessary.
Sleeping: Please sleep with the head on two elevated pillows to decrease nasal congestion and bleeding from the nose. If you have been prescribed a CPAP machine, do not use until your doctor says it is safe; sleep in a recliner chair with your head elevated in the meantime.
Most patients feel well enough to go home the day of surgery. You will most likely go home without nasal packing.
Sinus issues can be persistent. As such, it is very common for them to return – even after surgical intervention.
Sneezing can cause further trauma to the fragile, yet sensitive nose and compromise the procedure's results. If possible, avoid sneezing through your nose for the first week or two during recovery to reduce pressure in your nose and airways to keep the sutures intact and minimize bleeding, swelling, and pain.