Best Technique for Sinus Surgery?

For the majority of patients with sinus complaints, surgery is not necessary.  Therefore, always make sure that you are choosing a surgeon that is thoughtful and conservative for your treatment.  With few exceptions, if the first thing discussed is surgery, be very skeptical and at the very least seek a second opinion.  Exceptions to this rule would include having a growth or a dangerous, life-threatening infection. Important questions to have answered... more

Endoscopic sinus surgery (using small scopes and instruments in the nasal passages) has been the standard for a couple of decades. A newer less aggressive technique (balloon sinuplasty) is finding its place as well. Not every insurance company covers this yet - still considering it experimental - although it is not.

Sinus surgery is an elective medical procedure sought by people experiencing chronic sinusitus, sinus headaches, or sinus infections. Sinus surgery covers a very broad range of potential procedures of the nose and sinuses. Most people with chronic sinus problems do not have surgery on their actual sinuses. These patients have a deviated septum (the midline partition in your nose) or large turbinates, which contribute to their sinus or allergy symptoms, and they benefit from... more

The ideal procedure depends on your anatomy and the severity of your disease.  Ballon sinuplasty is a wonderful treatment option for mild to moderate sinus disease.  More extensive disease requires Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.  Not all surgeons are skilled in ballon sinuplasty, so be sure to see if your surgeon is comfortable with this procedure.  Warmest regards, Dr. Pippin.

Sinus surgery covers a very broad range of potential procedures of the nose and sinuses. Most patients who complain of chronic sinus problems generally don't have surgery on the true sinuses. These patients have a deviated septum or large turbinates, which contribute to their sinus or allergy symptoms, and they benefit from septoplasty and turbinate reduction. Only after a comprehensive evaluation by a sinus or nasal surgeon can he/she determine the appropriate options for you. more

The evolution of sinus surgery techniques and technology have provided us with a variety of ways to treat chronic sinus disease refractory to medical therapy . However careful review of the patient's history , physical exam , CT scans as well as the extent ,severity and type of sinus disease are what in most cases determine choice of technique and technology. In general techniques have moved toward being less destructive ,preserving the anatomical structures and restoring movement of air... more

Endoscopic sinus surgery is currently the gold standard of sinus surgery. For people with mild to moderate disease, a new procedure using a balloon to open the sinuses has shown some promise. Be careful though as most insurance plans and several ENT associations still consider this treatment experimental. As such, most insurance will not reimburse for the balloon procedure but will reimburse for endoscopic sinus surgery.

The gold standard of sinus surgery utilizes endoscopes to perform functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The lastest innovation utilizes ballon cathaters to dilate critical sinus drainage areas while preserving the lining. For a person with moderate sinus disease this results in a faster recovery with less pain.