Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to help stop sinusitis and is usually recommended by an ENT specialist when other treatments have not been effective. Sinusitis is an infection in the lining of your sinuses (air-filled spaces behind your forehead, between your eyes, and behind your cheeks that are connected to the inside of your nose). It can cause symptoms such as pain, a blocked nose, nasal discharge, a reduced sense of smell, and the feeling of mucus at the back of your nose or throat.
What are the benefits?
The aim is to widen the passage between the sinus and your nose so that mucus no longer becomes trapped, and your healthcare team can give you medication to treat inflammation.
Are there any alternatives?
Antibiotics may help to clear the infection. If your sinusitis is caused by an allergy, you may be able to prevent sinusitis by avoiding the ‘triggers’ of your allergy or by taking medication such as antihistamines, nasal steroid spray, or a nasal wash. If you use a nasal steroid spray for a long time, you can reduce the size of polyps, which may mean that you do not need surgery.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, but a local anaesthetic can be used. The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed through your nostrils and does not result in any facial scars or change to the outside shape of your nose.
Your surgeon will use a small telescope (endoscope) to examine your nasal passages. They will use instruments to remove any polyps and to widen the passages from your sinuses into your nose.
How can I prepare myself for the procedure?
If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and improve your long-term health. Smoking stops your nose from clearing mucus properly, and this can increase the feeling of a blocked nose. People who continue to smoke after sinus surgery are more likely to need another procedure. Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight. Regular exercise should help you prepare for the procedure, help you recover, and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you may need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into the hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.
What complications can happen?
Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some may be serious and can even be life-threatening.
General complications of any procedure
- bleeding
- infection of the surgical site (wound)
- allergic reaction to the equipment, materials, or medication
- venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- chest infection
- Specific complications of this procedure
- adhesions, where scar tissue forms deep inside your nose
- leak of fluid from your brain
- damage to the orbit (the bone around your eye)
- double vision
- blindness
- toxic shock syndrome, which is an infection of the bloodstream
- damage to your tear duct
- reduced sense of smell
What happens after the procedure?
You should be able to go home the same day.
- If you had non-dissolvable packing in your nose, you would need to stay overnight, and the packing would be removed the next morning.
- Do not blow your nose for at least a week. Your nose will continue to feel blocked for a few weeks.
- Your surgeon will give you a nasal spray or drops for you to use. You may be given a course of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
- Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
- Most people make a good recovery.
Conclusion
Sinusitis is not usually serious, but it can cause ongoing and uncomfortable symptoms that affect daily life. When medications and non-surgical treatments do not provide lasting relief, endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended to improve sinus drainage and reduce inflammation. Consulting a consultant ENT clinic or a sinus surgery specialist ensures proper diagnosis, safe treatment, and a personalized care plan. With expert evaluation and appropriate follow-up, most patients experience significant improvement and a better quality of life after surgery.
