Sinus Surgery

Sinus Surgery is commonly performed in those patients who suffer from recurrent or chronic sinus disease (usually infections) who have not responded to medical treatment.

Currently almost all sinus surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques commonly referred to as FESS which stands for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. FESS is performed with the patient asleep under general anesthesia using endoscopes (small rigid telescopes) to access the sinuses through the nose without the need for external incisions. Utilizing this approach all the sinuses can opened and the normal drainage pattern restored with minimal disruption of normal tissue. This minimalist approach shortens healing time and postoperative discomfort. In the last few years an even less invasive technique has been developed which utilizes a tough micro balloon placed across the sinus opening to dilate and open the sinus. Aside from infectious problems these techniques can also be used to remove some nasal tumors and repair blocked tear ducts.

Following your surgery, in most cases, you will be allowed to return home that same day. Typically, there will be nasal splints, which are semi-firm silastic material, which will be sewn through the nose and are placed to prevent any scarring across the nose.

In addition, there may be some soft rubber catheters placed into the sinuses themselves. These are sewn on the outside of the splints. The splints will be fixed into position and you should not attempt to remove them. These will be removed in approximately 7-10 days when we see you back in the clinic.

In the event of any post-operative problems Monday through Friday, please call the office at 508-746-8977. After office hours, or on weekends, the answering service will direct, and forward you call to Dr. Durante or Dr. Patel. In the unlikely event that Dr. Durante or Dr. Patel are not immediately available for a post-operative problem, you will be directed to proceed to the Jordan Hospital Emergency Room. There, an emergency room physician will be available to see you, and provide initial evaluation. Dr. Durante or Dr. Patel will then be contacted. On rare occasions when neither Dr. Durante nor Dr. Patel are readily available, further ENT evaluation, and coverage will be provided by Tuft’s New England Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology.