Endoscopic sinus surgery can be an intimidating experience with some serious risks involved, yet for some the payoff is big. According to new research, more than 76% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) reported great quality of life improvements after endoscopic sinus surgery. The findings were published in the January issue of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
I had endoscopic sinus surgery in July of 2008. I’ll share more on that, but first I want to explain what the procedure is. During surgery, a thin fiber-optic tube called an endoscope is inserted into the nose for visual examination of the openings into the sinuses. Using high-tech micro-telescopes and instruments, ENTs remove abnormal and obstructive tissues. Endoscopic sinus surgery is much less extensive than traditional sinus surgery. In fact, it’s often performed on an outpatient basis.
However, don’t think it’s not an expensive surgery just because it’s outpatient. I was amazed at my hospital charges, even with my insurance covering 90%. And there are some annoying post-surgery things to deal with: feeling like you can’t breathe through your nose and being unable to blow your nose for several days.
My ENT wanted me to stay in town for a week or so in case I had any bleeding issues. As for pain and bleeding, I had no problems. Yet, perhaps my experience wasn’t typical. My ENT was shocked at how alert I was when he called to check on me after surgery and similarly surprised that I had no bleeding and pretty much zero pain.
If you’re planning on having sinus surgery, know this: You must commit to post-op care. You’ll likely be instructed to start a sinus rinse several days after your surgery and continue it for a few months. (Please note: Your experiences may be different, and you should never start a sinus rinse after surgery unless your ENT has instructed you to do so.) You’ll probably have several follow-up appointments so that the ENT can look into your sinuses with a scope to make sure everything is still fine. Though that’s done in the office, it’s still considered surgery by many insurance companies.
I wasn’t expecting so many follow-up appointments. I’m going back again in May for a final sinus check with the scope, but I’m not complaining. Compared to many surgeries out there, endoscopic sinus surgery was a snap, for me anyway.
Though I did have some problems with CRS prior to the surgery, I wasn’t a miserable sinus sufferer and I didn’t have the surgery primarily for that reason. That means it’s difficult for me to comment on the surgery helping with CRS. However, I haven’t really been sick sinus-wise since the surgery.
If you’ve had endoscopic sinus surgery, were you pleased with results?
(Image via MorgueFile)
Post from: Blisstree