When you need sinus surgery, and when you don’t
Each year, about 300,000 Americans have sinus surgery. In most cases, it’s a very basic procedure — and thanks to advances in technology, it’s less complicated for patients than ever before.
But still, is it right for you?
Our sinus doctors recommend surgery as a “last resort” for patients when other (simpler) treatments haven’t worked. Surgery can’t magically erase sinus problems, but for patients who don’t respond well to typical medications and lifestyle remedies, it can offer significant relief.
These are some common reasons why sinus surgery might be recommended:
- Sinus infections won’t go away. When infections last more than three months despite treatment, surgery could be an option.
- There’s a nasal growth or obstruction. Physical issues like nasal polyps or structural abnormalities can prevent typical medicines from working.
- The sinus infection has hit the bone. Sometimes, sinus infections can spread to the bones, meaning an operation is necessary.
- There’s a complicating factor. Certain diseases, such as cancer or HIV-related infections, can mean surgery is the most efficient option for sinus issues.
If you and your sinus doctor decide on surgery, what should you expect? Most sinus surgeries are endoscopic procedures, meaning they use a thin tool called an endoscope, inserted through the nose, to help doctors see obstructions. Endoscopic surgery requires less down time than typical surgery, and it’s also less painful and costly.
Wondering whether sinus surgery might be right for you? Our NY sinus doctors are here to help, so call us for a personalized consultation anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sinus surgery is generally recommended as a last resort when other treatments like medications and lifestyle changes have failed. It is considered for patients with persistent sinus infections lasting more than three months, nasal obstructions such as polyps, infections that have spread to the bone, or complicating factors like cancer or HIV-related infections.
Doctors may suggest surgery for chronic sinus infections that don’t respond to treatment, structural nasal issues like polyps, infections that have impacted the bones, or in cases where complicating diseases such as cancer or HIV affect sinus health.
Most sinus surgeries today are endoscopic, meaning doctors use a thin tool called an endoscope inserted through the nose to locate and remove obstructions. This minimally invasive approach reduces pain, lowers costs, and shortens recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
Thanks to advances in technology, sinus surgery is usually a straightforward and less complicated procedure than in the past. Endoscopic sinus surgery is less painful, quicker, and requires less downtime than traditional surgical methods.
Sinus surgery cannot magically erase all sinus issues but can offer significant relief when other treatments have failed. It helps by removing obstructions or addressing underlying causes that medication alone cannot fix.
During a consultation, a sinus doctor will evaluate your symptoms, treatment history, and possibly perform imaging studies to identify obstructions or infections. Together, you’ll discuss whether surgery is appropriate based on your individual condition and treatment response.
Approximately 300,000 Americans undergo sinus surgery each year. It is a common procedure, especially for patients whose sinus issues have not improved with simpler treatments.