Sinus Surgery (Endoscopic)

The sinuses are air filled interconnected cavities in your cheekbones, forehead, behind your nose and between your eyes. They help to control the flow of air and mucus to your nose and throat as you breathe.

Sometimes the lining of your sinuses can become inflamed and swollen causing blockages and infection. This could be due to thickening of the mucus that lines the sinuses, nasal polyps (swellings) on the lining, allergies, or structural problems such as a deviated septum.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the swelling of the nasal sinuses or passages, causing congestion and discomfort and a feeling of pressure in the face. Other symptoms include headaches, a lost sense of smell and blocked ears.

The location of discomfort can differ depending on which of your sinuses are blocked. There are four pairs altogether, located inside your cheekbones (maxillary), on either side of your forehead above your eyes (frontal), behind the bridge of your nose between your eyes (ethmoid), and between the upper part of your nose and behind your eyes (sphenpoid).

Sinusitis usually gets better without treatment or will respond to antibiotics, saline sprays and topical nasal steroids. However if symptoms persist, are severe, or flare ups occur regularly, surgery may help.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is a procedure that aims to remove any blockages in the sinuses, opening up the drainage pathways. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery enables your surgeon to have a clear and detailed view of your sinuses via a small endoscope, a tube with a camera on the end. The endoscope is inserted into your sinuses through your nose so there is no incision required. Surgical instruments can then be passed down the endoscope and used to remove obstructive tissues and other blockages. 

Following Surgery

Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may need nasal packing. This is gauze-like material placed in the nasal cavity to control bleeding and absorb fluids after surgery. Nasal packing will be removed at your follow up appointment, or dissolvable materials may be used.

There is little pain after surgery it’s common to experience some mild discomfort, fatigue, nasal congestion, small amounts of bleeding.

For the week following surgery patients are advised the following to help the sinuses heal:

• Sleep your head elevated
• Avoid blowing your nose
• Try to keep your mouth open when you sneeze
• Avoid any strenuous activities

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Sinus Surgery (Endoscopic) treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.