At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, our ENT specialists offer sinus surgery, a procedure aimed at treating chronic sinusitis and other sinus-related conditions to provide relief from symptoms and improve sinus function. We are dedicated to delivering comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient.

Procedure Overview:

• Sinus surgery, also known as sinus surgery or endoscopic sinus surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure performed to open blocked sinus passages and remove diseased tissue, polyps, or obstructions contributing to chronic sinusitis or other sinus conditions. The goal of the surgery is to improve sinus drainage, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, congestion, and recurrent sinus infections.

Indications for Surgery:

• Chronic Sinusitis: Sinus surgery may be recommended for patients with chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medical treatments such as antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, or saline irrigations. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and reduced sense of smell.
• Nasal Polyps: Patients with nasal polyps, benign growths in the nasal passages that can obstruct sinus drainage and cause nasal congestion, may benefit from sinus surgery to remove the polyps and improve sinus airflow.

Surgical Technique:

• Sinus surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and the extent of the procedure. The surgeon uses an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light attached, to visualize the sinus passages and guide the surgical instruments.
• Small instruments, such as microdebriders or forceps, are inserted through the nostrils to access the sinuses. The surgeon removes diseased tissue, polyps, or obstructions blocking the sinus passages and may perform additional procedures to enlarge the sinus openings or correct structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum.
• Once the necessary adjustments are made, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, and nasal packing or splints may be placed inside the nose to support the sinuses during the initial healing period.

Recovery and Postoperative Care:

• After sinus surgery, patients can expect mild discomfort, nasal congestion, and drainage for the first few days. Pain medications, nasal saline irrigations, and nasal corticosteroid sprays may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
• It is essential to avoid strenuous activities, nose blowing, or heavy lifting during the initial recovery period to prevent strain on the sinuses. Patients should also refrain from smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any nasal packing or splints. Most patients can return to work or school within a week to 10 days, although full recovery may take several weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications:

• While sinus surgery is generally safe and effective, complications may include bleeding, infection, nasal septal perforation, changes in nasal sensation, or recurrence of sinus symptoms. These risks are rare and can be minimized by choosing an experienced ENT surgeon and following postoperative instructions diligently.

 

What is sinus surgery, and who may benefit from this procedure?

Sinus surgery, also known as endoscopic sinus surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus conditions. Patients experiencing symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or reduced sense of smell may benefit from sinus surgery.

 

Is sinus surgery performed under general anesthesia?

Sinus surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and the complexity of the procedure. Your ENT surgeon will discuss anesthesia options with you before surgery.

 

What can I expect during the recovery period after sinus surgery?

Recovery from sinus surgery involves managing mild discomfort, nasal congestion, and drainage for the first few days. Pain medications, nasal saline irrigations, and nasal corticosteroid sprays may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Most patients can resume normal activities within a week to 10 days.

 

Will I need nasal packing after sinus surgery?

Nasal packing or splints may be placed inside the nose during sinus surgery to support the sinuses during the initial healing period. Your surgeon will remove the packing or splints during a follow-up appointment once the nasal tissues have healed sufficiently.

 

Are there any long-term effects of sinus surgery?

Sinus surgery is generally safe and effective for treating chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, with most patients experiencing long-lasting relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and sinus pressure.

 

How soon can I expect to see results after sinus surgery?

While some improvement in sinus symptoms may be noticeable immediately after surgery, full results may take several weeks as swelling subsides and the sinuses heal. Your ENT surgeon will monitor your progress and address any concerns during follow-up appointments.

At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, our ENT specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate care and advanced treatment options for patients with sinus and nasal conditions. If you are experiencing chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team to explore your treatment options, including sinus surgery.