We regret that medical advice cannot be provided outside the context of a consultation and NHS referrals can only be made through a General Practitioner.
The sinuses are a combination of large and small air pockets in the face. They are connected to the inside of the nose through small openings called ostea. They help to optimise the temperature and humidity of the air reaching the lungs. They can occasionally be infected and blocked leading to nasal obstruction, facial pains and headaches.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) are names given to common operations for sinus diseases. This type of surgery is done using telescopes and avoids external skin cuts.
Medical treatment with antibiotics, steroid drops or sprays is considered before surgery.
If symptoms do not respond to medical treatment surgery is considered. The aim of the surgery is to establish adequate drainage of sinuses which will promote the growth of healthy sinus lining.
You will usually be asleep through the operation, although the procedure may be done under local anaesthesia. The operation is all done inside your nose, which means there will be no scars or bruises on your face. Sometimes the surgeon may need to straighten the partition of the wall inside the nose to get access to your sinuses. Often the lining of the nose is cauterised.
Bleeding is the commonest complication related to sinus surgery. Risk of any serious bleeding requiring blood transfusion is rare. Some sinuses lie next to the eye and therefore there is a small risk of damage to the eye socket. The sinuses are also very close to the brain. Sinus operations carry a small risk of leakage of fluid from the space around the brain. If this rare complication happens, you will have to stay in hospital until the leak stops and sometimes another operation may be necessary. There is also a risk of infection and the worst scenario would be meningitis.
Occasionally dressings are inserted inside the nose to prevent bleeding. These are called nasal packs. Packs are removed when safe to do so.
Blow your nose gently for the first week or it might start bleeding. You will be given instructions regarding cleaning your nose after the operation when you are at home. If you are going to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open to protect your nose. You may get some blood coloured watery fluid from your nose for the first 2 weeks or so after the operation. This is normal. Your nose will be blocked on both sides, like a heavy cold, for 10-14 days after the operation. We may give you some drops or spray to help this. During the 2 weeks after the operation, some doctors prescribe a course of antibiotics but try to stay away from dusty or smoky places and try to avoid alcohol, or drink in moderation.
You can expect to go home the day after your operation, although sometimes it is possible to go home the same day. You will need to rest at home for at least a week and if your work requires heavy lifting or carrying, you should take 2 weeks off.
