Since 1986, doctors have been performing endoscopic sinus surgery — a type of operation guided by a tiny camera rod — on children. With today’s medical knowledge, sinus surgery has become less invasive, for children and adults alike. Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is a last resort for treating children’s sinus pain, but it’s an option in some cases. Our NYC sinus surgeons are here to help you determine if it’s the best option for your child.
Common symptoms of children’s sinus problems include:
- Coughing
- Nasal discharge
- Breathing trouble
A successful sinus surgery will help enlarge a child’s nasal and sinus passages, meaning they become blocked and inflamed less easily. The end goal: better sinus drainage, better airflow, less sinus infections.
If your child’s sinus symptoms have lingered for more than three months — and other, less invasive treatments haven’t helped — then your doctor might consider surgery as an option. Keep in mind, you should never feel rushed into choosing surgery.
A few facts to know, if you and your doctor opt for the surgical route:
- Your child will be under general anesthesia during the procedure.
- The sinus surgeon will use special tools to remove any tissue blocking the sinus passages, or to straighten the nasal septum, if needed.
- Sinus surgery doesn’t require cutting the skin, but rather using special devices that go through the nostrils. This means removing less tissue, and a gentler procedure overall.
Every case is different regarding Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, so give us a call if you’d like your child to have a personalized consultation. Our team of expert NYC sinus surgeons is here to give assistance and advice when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed on children to improve sinus drainage and airflow by removing tissue blockages or straightening the nasal septum. It is guided by a tiny camera inserted through the nostrils, avoiding the need for external incisions.
Sinus surgery for children is typically considered when symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, and breathing trouble persist for more than three months and have not improved with less invasive treatments. It is usually regarded as a last resort option.
Children with sinus problems commonly experience symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms indicate inflammation or blockage in the sinus passages that may require evaluation and treatment.
The surgery is performed using special instruments inserted through the nostrils, guided by a tiny camera, eliminating the need for external skin incisions. This approach causes less tissue removal and leads to a gentler procedure overall.
During the procedure, the child will be under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses specialized tools to remove obstructing tissue or correct nasal septum deviations to enlarge sinus passages and improve drainage and airflow.
The surgery helps enlarge nasal and sinus passages, reducing blockage and inflammation. This results in better sinus drainage, improved airflow, and fewer sinus infections for the child.
No, each case is unique. Surgery is generally reserved for children whose symptoms have not responded to other treatments. A personalized consultation with an expert sinus surgeon can determine if this procedure is appropriate for your child.