Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus-related conditions. It involves the use of an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, which allows the surgeon to visualize and access the sinus cavities without the need for external incisions.

Symptoms Treated Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

• Chronic Sinusitis: Persistent inflammation of the sinuses lasting for more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment, characterized by symptoms such as:
  • Nasal congestion
  • Facial pain or pressure
  • Headaches
  • Postnasal drip
  • Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: Multiple episodes of acute sinusitis within a year, with symptoms including:
  • Facial pain or pressure, often worsened by bending forward
  • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
  • Nasal congestion
  • Tooth pain
  • Fatigue
• Nasal Polyps: Noncancerous growths in the nasal and sinus passages that can cause symptoms like:
  • Nasal congestion
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Reduced sense of smell or taste
  • Facial pressure or pain
• Structural Abnormalities: Anatomical issues such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates that contribute to sinus problems, leading to symptoms like:
  • Nasal obstruction or blockage
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Recurrent sinus infections
  • Facial pain or pressure
• Sinus Tumors: Abnormal growths or masses in the sinuses, which may present with symptoms such as:
  • Nasal congestion
  • Facial swelling
  • Headaches
  • Vision changes
  • Nasal bleeding
• Facial Pain or Pressure: Persistent discomfort or pressure in the face, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, or bridge of the nose, which may indicate chronic sinusitis or other sinus-related issues.
• Loss of Smell or Taste: Reduced ability to smell (hyposmia) or taste (hypogeusia) can be caused by chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or other sinus disorders, necessitating evaluation and potential surgical intervention.
• Difficulty Breathing Through the Nose: Persistent nasal congestion or obstruction that impairs breathing through the nose, affecting quality of life and potentially requiring surgical correction.
• Chronic Headaches: Recurrent headaches, particularly those associated with facial pain or pressure, may be indicative of underlying sinus issues warranting evaluation by an ENT specialist.
• Persistent Postnasal Drip: Excessive mucus production and drainage down the back of the throat, which can lead to throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty swallowing, may necessitate sinus surgery to address underlying causes such as chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps.

Diagnosis and Evaluation: Before recommending endoscopic sinus surgery, an ENT specialist at an endoscopic clinic in Noida (or anywhere else) will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

1. Medical History: Detailed questioning about symptoms, previous treatments, and medical conditions.
2. Physical Examination: Examination of the nose and sinuses using a nasal speculum and/or endoscope.
3. Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRI scans may be ordered to assess the severity of sinus disease, identify structural abnormalities, and plan the surgical approach.
4. Nasal Endoscopy: A nasal endoscopy may be performed in the clinic to directly visualize the nasal passages and sinuses using a flexible endoscope inserted into the nose.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Procedure: During endoscopic sinus surgery, the patient is usually under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may be an option for certain cases. The surgery typically involves the following steps:

1. Visualization: The surgeon inserts the endoscope into the nasal passages, providing a magnified view of the sinus anatomy on a monitor.
2. Sinusotomy: Using specialized instruments, the surgeon removes obstructive tissue, such as polyps, diseased mucosa, and bony partitions blocking the sinus openings.
3. Septoplasty/Turbinoplasty (if needed): If there are structural issues contributing to sinus problems, the surgeon may perform additional procedures to correct them.
4. Balloon Sinuplasty (optional): In some cases, balloon catheters may be used to gently widen the sinus openings without removing tissue.
5. Closure: The surgical sites are irrigated and any bleeding is controlled. Nasal packing may or may not be used depending on the surgeon’s preference.