Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: diagnosis, function and long-term planning
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is considered when chronic rhinosinusitis, polyps or a defined sinus complication persists despite appropriate medical therapy.
Surgery should target the diseased sinuses while preserving healthy lining; allergy, asthma, aspirin sensitivity, dental disease, immune problems and expectations about smell or headache must be addressed.
Who may be considered?
Specialist review may help when nasal blockage, discharge, pressure or smell loss continues with CT and endoscopic evidence of disease.
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with persistent objective disease after treatment.
- Nasal polyps affecting breathing or smell.
- A mucocele, fungal disease or localized sinus obstruction.
- A patient able to perform postoperative rinses and visits.
What the specialist team must confirm
Review symptom duration and prior medicines, nasal endoscopy, thin-cut sinus CT DICOM, dental sources, allergy and asthma history, smell function, bleeding risk and any orbital or neurologic symptoms.
Key points for this treatment
From inflammatory phenotype to long-term sinus maintenance
The operation creates access and ventilation, but ongoing medical treatment often remains necessary.
Postoperative care keeps the opened pathways functioning
Saline irrigation, prescribed sprays and endoscopic cleaning support healing while crusting and congestion settle.
The team monitors recurrent polyps, smell, asthma interaction, infection and adherence to anti-inflammatory treatment.
Risks, limits and realistic expectations
Risks include bleeding, infection, scar narrowing, persistent symptoms, smell change, eye injury, cerebrospinal-fluid leak and need for revision.
Eye swelling, double vision, reduced vision, clear watery drainage, severe headache, heavy bleeding or high fever requires emergency assessment.