Sinus Surgery in Houston, TX

Patients in Houston suffering from chronic or recurrent sinus infections, sinus obstruction, or nasal polyps may be advised by their doctor to undergo sinus surgery in Houston. Typically, these individuals have undergone treatment with various antibiotics, medications, and allergy evaluations but continue to experience persistent symptoms.

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What to Expect From Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery aims to eliminate physical blockages in the sinus cavities and nasal passages and to enlarge the natural sinus openings. The surgeon removes diseased bone or mucosa, polyps or cysts, and rinses the open sinuses during the procedure. They may also take cultures.

A pathologist then examines the diseased tissue while the surgeon takes steps to minimize scarring and promote healing. By restoring natural ventilation patterns and drainage within the nose, surgery can reduce the frequency of sinus infections.

Modern sinus surgery, also known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), is typically performed through the nostrils using the following:

Narrow cylindrical scopes
Fiberoptic illumination
Magnification
Video displays
Specialized instruments for removing diseased tissue

This procedure is usually carried out under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery.

Prior to the Procedure

Patients should discontinue using all topical decongestant sprays four to six weeks before sinus surgery. Additionally, before the surgery, patients must refrain from taking blood thinners for two weeks. This includes aspirin or aspirin-containing products such as the following:

Aggrenox
Ecotrin
Excedrin
Plavix
Coumadin
Warfarin

The following non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped at least one week before surgery:

Ibuprofen
Advil
Alleve
Naprosyn
Mobic
Celebrex

In the event of a respiratory illness, asthma flare-up, or consumption of food or drink on the morning of the procedure, surgery may need to be postponed or rescheduled.

Post Sinus Surgery Treatment

Surgery risks may include the following:

Bleeding
Formation of scar tissue
Recurring sinusitis in the operated sinuses
Progression of sinusitis to other sinuses
Return of polyps

Rare risks involve the following:

Reactions to anesthesia
Spinal fluid leakage
Reduced sense of smell
Injury to the eye socket resulting in pain or decreased vision

After sinus surgery in Houston, recovery typically involves the removal of nasal packing within a day or more. Expect a few days of bloody nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. Saltwater sprays and irrigations are used for at least two weeks. Regular follow-up appointments with our Houston ENT surgeons for endoscopic cleaning are essential for proper healing.

Sinus Surgery in Houston, TX

What to Expect From Sinus Surgery

Prior to the Procedure

Post Sinus Surgery Treatment

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