The Surgical Solution
Today, many chronic sinusitis sufferers are finding relief by undergoing a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure called functional endoscopic sinus surgery, or FESS. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts an endoscope through the nose into the sinuses, looking for structural abnormalities, cleaning and draining the sinuses and removing any obstructive growths, such as polyps or cysts. The surgery enlarges the natural openings of the sinuses and can restore the normal flow of mucus without leaving any visible scars.
Gaining Popularity
The physicians at Cornerstone Ear, Nose and Throat, PA, have seen tremendous growth in the number of FESS procedures performed in recent years, performing approximately 400 procedures a year.
“I’d estimate that up to 5 percent of the population would benefit from a nasal or sinus procedure because it often eliminates the need for prolonged decongestants, antibiotics and other medicines,” says William McClelland, MD. “Plus, resolving sinus problems can assist in treating other conditions like asthma or sleep apnea, which may also be occurring.”
Adding to the surgery’s appeal is the minimal recovery time and postoperative side effects. The physicians at Cornerstone Ear, Nose and Throat agree that nasal packing is rarely necessary in the post operative period and discomfort is generally mild. In fact, many patients have reported little need for pain medicine after the surgery.
