Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

When the sinuses are blocked up from polyps or other inflammation, and medication has failed to improve symptoms, surgery is typically the next step. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed under general anaesthetic with an aim to open the sinuses widely, clear out any polyps or mucous and allow nasal steroid treatments and salt water rinses to get into the sinuses themselves. A CT scan will be required prior to surgery in order to assess the extent of disease as well allowing the surgeon to have a detailed understanding of the anatomy of your sinuses (it varies between person to person), in order to plan a bespoke procedure. Surgery is often performed on a day case basis, ie you will be safe to go home on the day of your operation, unless you don’t have anyone at home, you live more than 45 minutes away from the Duchy Hospital or have medical reasons to stay in hospital overnight. If this is the case, a hospital bed will be arranged for you at no additional charge.

Further information from ENTUK can be found at the following links:

www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/57/sinus_surgery_for_chronic_rhinosinusitis_with_nasal_polyps

www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/58/sinus_surgery_for_chronic_rhinosinusitis_without_nasal_polyps