Should we, or shouldn’t we?
Deciding whether or not to have surgery is complicated. Deciding whether or not your small child should have Pediatric Sinus Surgery can be terrifying. However, if your child suffers from chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, orbital abscesses, or fungal sinusitis, it may be time to consider Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to relieve their pain and congestion in the long run. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, and has few complications.
How FESS works
FESS is used to enlarge the connection between the nose and the sinuses. An endoscope, or very thin tube with a light and camera on the end, is inserted through the nose and into the sinus cavity, and the necrotic tissue or polyps are gently scraped away, a layer at a time. The endoscope is extremely small—this procedure has been used successfully in infants as young as seven weeks.
Even for young children, FESS is typically an outpatient procedure, so your child won’t have to stay overnight in a hospital or treatment facility. However, he or she will probably be cranky and irritable, and may be in pain despite the painkillers.
After the surgery
Your child will probably complain of a sore nose, or of the feeling of something being up their nose (particularly if self-dissolving packing or splints are used). You will want to keep them from blowing their nose for a week or two after surgery, and out of school for several days. Nasal ointment or a saline rinse may be recommended to reduce discomfort and promote healing, and a round of antibiotics will be prescribed in order to ward off infection.
If you have any questions about pediatric FESS, or are considering this procedure for your child, we invite you to contact us right away. We are happy to discuss your options regarding Pediatric Sinus Surgery, and to help you with this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric FESS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, orbital abscesses, and fungal sinusitis in children. It involves using a thin endoscope to enlarge the passage between the nose and sinuses and remove obstructions to improve drainage and relieve symptoms.
FESS is safe for very young children and has been successfully performed on infants as young as seven weeks old. The procedure is tailored to each child's condition and age, making it a viable option even for small children with serious sinus problems.
Typically, Pediatric FESS is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning your child will not need to stay overnight in a hospital. However, post-surgery care is essential as the child may experience discomfort and irritability afterward.
After the surgery, your child might feel a sore or obstructed sensation in the nose and may be irritable or in pain despite painkillers. It is important to prevent nose blowing for 1-2 weeks, keep them out of school for several days, and use nasal ointments or saline rinses to aid healing. A course of antibiotics is also given to prevent infections.
Children suffering from chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, orbital abscesses, or fungal sinusitis might benefit from Pediatric Sinus Surgery like FESS. These conditions cause persistent pain, congestion, and complications that conservative treatments cannot fully resolve.
FESS is considered a minimally invasive surgery with few complications, making it a safe option for children when recommended. However, as with any surgery, there are risks that your doctor will discuss with you during consultation.
If you have questions or are considering Pediatric Sinus Surgery for your child, you should contact your healthcare provider or the specialist center for personalized advice. Many clinics offer consultations to discuss options and help you make an informed decision.