Skip to Content

How successful is endoscopic sinus surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is generally successful in achieving its goal of improving the symptoms and signs of chronic sinusitis. According to a study published in the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, the success rate of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is nearly 90 percent.

This means that the majority of patients who undergo ESS are likely to experience an improvement in their symptoms within about six months of surgery. However, the success rate for ESS may vary depending on the severity of the condition, as well as the extent of the surgery.

As such, endoscopic sinus surgery is not a guaranteed cure for chronic sinusitis, and some patients may continue to experience ongoing symptoms despite surgery.

How long does it take to recover from endoscopic sinus surgery?

The average recovery time after endoscopic sinus surgery is typically between two to four weeks, although this may vary depending on the individual. Following surgery, many patients have immediate relief from sinus headache, congestion and other symptoms.

Swelling and discomfort can be managed with pain medications and decongestants as recommended by your doctor.

In the days after surgery, you may experience some bleeding from your nose and sinus openings, but this should cease in a few days. Your doctor may recommend the use of nasal sprays, saline rinses and humidifiers to help manage the post-operative swelling and discharge.

Keeping your head elevated and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures can also help to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Your doctor will recommend that you avoid strenuous activities and contact sports, as well as flying, for at least two weeks after your procedure. Daily activities such as walking or light housework should be acceptable provided you feel up to them, and you can start to increase your activity over the course of your recovery period.

Ultimately, recovery time may vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. Your doctor will be able to provide more specific advice on the best approach to recovery and when it is safe to resume normal activities.

Which is a major complication of endoscopic sinus surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive surgery procedure used to treat chronic sinususitis and other sinus conditions by removing blockages from the sinus passages. Though rare, complications can arise from this type of surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and/or scarring.

Other major complications include:

– Loss of sense of smell (anosmia): If a nerve that controls the sense of smell is damaged during surgery, a person may experience complete or partial loss of their sense of smell.

– Damage to the interior wall of the sinuses: Surgery may cause the interior walls of the sinuses to be perforated, which can lead to ongoing sinus infections, discomfort and facial pressure.

– Damage to nearby bones and tissue: Surgery near the eye or around the brain can cause damage to the nearby tissue or bone. This can have serious health consequences and should be supervised carefully by a doctor or surgeon.

– Inadequate drainage of the sinuses: Without proper drainage, fluid can accumulate in the sinuses which can lead to an infection.

– Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks: If the surgical procedure is not done correctly, a person may experience a cerebrospinal fluid leak which can be a very dangerous medical emergency if not treated promptly.

– Seizures: Complications from surgery near the brain can lead to seizures as a result of damage to the tissue in the area.

Is it worth getting sinus surgery?

It’s worth considering sinus surgery if conservative treatments like antibiotics, steroidal nasal sprays, and humidifiers have failed to relieve your symptoms. Also, if you are among the unlucky few whose chronic sinus problems are severe, then the benefits of sinus surgery may be worth the risks and the cost.

Sinus surgery can be useful in reducing nasal blockage and drainage, which can help improve airflow and reduce the associated pain and discomfort of chronic sinusitis. Medical treatments for chronic sinusitis typically do not provide long-term relief, however, and repeated treatments may be required.

Sinus surgery can provide long-term relief from sinusitis symptoms and complications in many cases, and the results may be lasting, which is one of the benefits of the procedure.

In addition to the potential relief it can bring, sinus surgery also can benefit people with certain other conditions. For example, if you suffer from allergies, manipulating the anatomy of your sinuses during surgery can improve drainage and reduce the size of adenoids, which can help reduce your risk of allergic responses.

However, there are risks associated with surgery, and while most people experience temporary symptoms such as pain, swelling and discomfort, some people may experience unintended side-effects such as facial paralysis, loss of taste, infection or bleeding.

It is important to be aware of these potential risks and to talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have before choosing to undergo the procedure.

Is endoscopic sinus surgery permanent?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is generally considered a permanent procedure, though there is always the potential that a patient may require additional surgeries. Endoscopic sinus surgery, otherwise known as endoscopy, is a minimally-invasive type of surgery used to remove sinuses blockage and drain the sinuses.

The procedure is almost always successful in relieving symptoms, though results may vary from patient to patient. In some cases, the patient may require additional surgeries/treatments depending on the extent of their sinus issues or the cause of their obstruction.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is typically considered to be permanent, however, due to the fact that it is a functional rather than structural remedy. Endoscopic sinus surgery provides relief from symptoms, but does not affect the sinus anatomy in a way that would need to be reevaluated or corrected in the future.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not an additional procedure is necessary lies with the patient and their doctor.

What comes out of nose after sinus surgery?

After sinus surgery, it is common for a patient to have blood, mucus, and clear drainage coming from their nose. This is normal and part of the healing process as the body works to clear out the surgical site and heal.

It is important to stay hydrated and keep a damp cloth handy, as clear drainage can be acidic and can cause skin irritation if left on the skin for extended periods of time. To reduce the drainage, applying a light, cool compress to the area can help.

The amount and duration of time of the drainage varies from patient to patient, but is usually a sign that the body is healing. If the drainage becomes excessive, changes color, or an unpleasant odor is present then it should be discussed with a doctor.

Do you get black eyes after sinus surgery?

It is possible to get black eyes after sinus surgery, though this is not a guarantee. This can occur due to the pressure of the surgery and manipulation of the surrounding structures, such as the eyes.

Due to the pressures released during surgery, a small amount of blood may leak through the eye socket and collect in the tissues, leading to the appearance of bruises or “black eyes” around the eyes.

Typically, these bruises heal on their own without medical intervention and should disappear within a few weeks.

In some cases, however, it may take up to several weeks for the bruises to completely heal. In the meantime, patients may want to apply cold compresses to their eyes for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.

Additionally, wearing dark sunglasses may help to conceal the bruising and relieve any feeling of self-consciousness. It is also important to follow up with a doctor after the surgery to ensure that no serious eye problems have occurred.

Is sinus endoscopy surgery painful?

Sinus endoscopy surgery is generally not considered a painful procedure. A patient may experience mild pain or discomfort during the procedure, but it should pass shortly after the procedure is over.

Anesthesia is generally not necessary, but the doctor may administer a local anesthetic to the area to reduce pain and make the procedure more comfortable. The patient may also experience slight pressure in the area, but this should not be painful.

In some cases, patients report being able to chat with the doctor while the procedure is being performed without much discomfort. After the procedure, some patients report a slight sore throat and headaches, however, this should also quickly subside.

Overall, sinus endoscopy surgery is not considered a painful procedure and should not be a major cause of concern for patients.

How long do you have to sleep up after sinus surgery?

The amount of time you need to rest after sinus surgery will depend on individual factors and the type of surgery you had. Generally, rest is important following surgery, and it is typically recommended that you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep following the procedure to ensure your body recovers properly.

In the immediate aftermath of sinus surgery, it is important to avoid strenuous activity and strenuous physical activity in order to aid healing and prevent complications. You should also avoid any activities that involve a lot of bending, twisting, or turning of the head, or activities that involve any kind of jarring of the head.

Depending on the type of surgery, your doctor may suggest that you rest for about 1-4 weeks before gradually returning to your normal activities. Your doctor can provide you with more specific information concerning your recovery time based on your individual case.

In any case, it is important to allow your body adequate time to heal, and getting plenty of rest is a key part of that process.

Is nasal endoscopy covered by insurance?

The answer to this question depends on the insurance policy of the individual. Generally, most types of medical services or treatments, including nasal endoscopy, can be covered by insurance. However, insurance companies vary in what type of coverage they provide and how much coverage they will provide.

For example, depending on the policy, some may cover the entire cost of the procedure while some may only cover a portion. It is best to contact your insurance provider directly to determine the exact coverage that is offered.

Additionally, you may need pre-authorization from your insurance provider before the procedure is done; the procedure may also be subject to specific exclusion criteria.

What is the cost of a nasal endoscopy?

The cost of a nasal endoscopy can vary depending on the provider performing the procedure, the patient’s insurance plan, and the complexity of the procedure. Generally speaking, the average cost of an endoscopy can range from $500-$2500.

In some cases special equipment may be required which can increase the cost. It is always best to speak with your healthcare provider to get an estimate of the cost for your particular situation.

How painful is a nasal endoscopy?

The amount of pain experienced during a nasal endoscopy depends on the individual, but most patients report only mild discomfort. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube will be inserted into your nose to examine the sinuses.

The tube has a light and camera at the end and is used to view the internal structures of your nose. It also may have tools to biopsy tissue if necessary. Most patients report only a sensation of pressure as the tube is inserted.

Occasionally, there may be some light discomfort or tickling in the nose.

If needed, a local anesthetic can be used to reduce discomfort. The anesthetic is applied in the area around the insertion site, causing a numbing sensation. The entire procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes, and you should be able to return to your normal activities afterwards.

Overall, a nasal endoscopy is generally a well-tolerated procedure with only mild to moderate levels of discomfort.

Can an ENT do an endoscopy?

Yes, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an Otolaryngologist, typically has the skills and experience to do an endoscopy. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the ears, nose and throat.

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that involves using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera, to look inside the body.

A doctor may do an endoscopy to diagnose an issue or to determine the cause of symptoms such as sinus pressure, frequent nosebleeds, congestion, and voice changes. During the procedure, an otolaryngologist can see structures inside the throat, sinuses, nose, and larynx.

The doctor may treat conditions with instruments inserted through the endoscope, such as biopsies or removal of small growths in the airway.

Endoscopy is considered a safe procedure and may provide detailed information about the condition of the inside of the nose, throat, and sinuses, allowing an otolaryngologist to make a more accurate diagnosis and plan treatment more effectively.

Can you be put to sleep for nasal endoscopy?

Yes, you can be put to sleep for nasal endoscopy. The process, known as sedation endoscopy, relaxes you and helps reduce anxiety and discomfort during the procedure. The physician will administer medication to make you drowsy, and the procedure may still be performed with the use of a local anesthetic.

In some cases, an anesthesiologist may be present to put you under deeper sedation or administer general anesthesia, depending on the complexity or length of the procedure. Special monitoring may also be necessary to ensure your safety and comfort.

What type of surgery is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive form of surgery that is generally done to examine a person’s internal organs, typically in the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy procedures allow the doctor to look inside the body without making a large incision and can be used to take biopsies, remove tumors or growths, or perform other treatments.

An endoscopy procedure typically involves the use of a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end, which is inserted through a small incision or a natural opening such as the mouth or the rectum.

The camera then transmits pictures of the inside of the body to a monitor where the results can be seen in real time. Endoscopy is generally used to help diagnose various illnesses, such as ulcers, cancer, and diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Resources

  1. Quality-of-Life Outcomes Following Multiple Revision … – NCBI
  2. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery – AAFP
  3. Twelve-year follow-up study after endoscopic sinus surgery in …
  4. How Effective is the FESS Procedure for Fixing Sinus Problems?
  5. 3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery