Some sinonasal conditions can be managed or cured using nonsurgical treatments. Others may require surgical solutions. Some examples of conditions that may require nasal or sinus surgery include:
- Nasal blockage
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Deviated septum
- Sinus or nasal trauma
- Nose bleeds
- Nasal polyps
- Enlarged turbinate
- Chronic stuffiness
- Chronic breathing issues
What Nasal & Sinus Surgery Options Are Available?
Depending on your condition and symptoms, your ENT physician may recommend one or more surgical treatment options. Some of the most common procedures include:
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is used to improve nasal drainage and open up the nasal passageways. To perform this outpatient procedure, your doctor uses an endoscope (a small lighted probe) to enter your sinuses and remove problematic tissues and diseased sinus mucosa.
- Image guided surgery is another endoscopic surgery tool for chronic sinusitis or nasal blockage. It relies on a three-dimensional mapping system created from CT scans for extreme precision.
- Balloon Sinuplasty uses a small balloon catheter inserted into the sinuses which is then inflated to open up the nasal passageways. Once the sinuses reach the desired width, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving more space in the passageway.
- Caldwell Luc operation improves drainage in the maxillary sinus by creating a window from this cavity to the nose. The surgeon enters the maxillary cavity endoscopically through the upper jaw above the molars. It is rarely performed now.
- Septoplasty procedure reshapes, reduces or repositions portions of the septum’s bone or cartilage to open up the nasal passageway and improve drainage and breathing. This procedure is used to reduce blockage, in the nasal airway.
- Turbinate surgery reduces airway obstruction and difficulties breathing caused by enlarged or swollen turbinates, which are small bones that clean and humidify air as it passes through your nose. There are several types of turbinate surgery, including the turbinoplasty (tissue repositioning), radiofrequency or cauterization surgery (tissue reduction) and submucous resection surgery (partial bone or cartilage removal).
Call Comprehensive ENT at (804) 228-4480 for more information or to schedule an appointment.