Endoscopic Sinus Surgery:
A Breakthrough for Sinus Infections

If you’ve tried the humidifier, the oral decongestants and the antibiotics to treat your sinus infection and nothing has worked, sometimes doctors may suggest an endoscopic sinus surgery. Usually an endoscopic sinus surgery is performed by an ear, nose and throat specialist on an outpatient basis. An endoscopic sinus surgery is done to restore the normal drainage of the sinuses. The sinuses are located by the nose and when healthy, they allow mucus to drain and air to flow in and out. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to enlarge the openings so the mucus drains easily.

Endoscopic sinus surgery was developed in the 1950s. It involves inserting an endoscope, which is a very thin fiberoptic tube, into the nose to get a clear visual of the sinuses. The obstructive tissues are removed from the sinuses by using micro-telescopes and instruments. Usually an endoscopic sinus surgery is performed through the nostrils, leaving no exterior scarring. Also, because it is not very intrusive, an endoscopic sinus surgery can often be done on an outpatient basis.

Aside from endoscopic sinus surgery, there are other sinus surgeries available for patients to choose from. Image guided surgery uses a near-three-dimensional mapping system that uses CT scans and real-time information to illustrate where the surgical instruments are by using infrared signals. This provides doctors with a more precise look into the nasal passages.

Another alternative to endoscopic sinus surgery is the Caldwell Luc operation. This operation involves improving the drainage of the maxillary sinus by entering it through the upper jaw, above the second molar tooth. A connection is then created from the maxillary sinus to the nose.