subject: Is Sinus Surgery Really Necessary? [print this page] There are many times when patients need to have sinus surgery. This type of procedure is not a first step in treating your condition, though. For those who need this type of surgical procedure, it is often due to a long, drawn out process involving various other treatment options that fail. The good news is those who have it often have significant improvement in their condition. Finding a doctor that specializes in it can often increase your rate of success. When do you need it? What can be done before having this type of surgical procedure instead?
Before Surgeries
Before you have sinus surgery, your doctor is likely to take a number of different steps to make sure the least invasive but most effective method is taken to improve your condition. Those that have it often have a condition called sinusitis. This occurs when pain and discomfort occurs often in the sinuses of the body. Keep in mind that your doctor will need to diagnose you as having a chronic condition of sinusitis. If your condition comes and goes infrequently, you may not be a candidate for this procedure.
Medical therapies, including medications and non-invasive treatments are the first step. Over the course of a few months or longer, your doctor will use tests including a CT scan to better understand what the problem is. If your condition has developed into chronic sinus disease or the doctor finds a significant obstruction located in this area, it may be necessary to procedure with a surgical procedure.
When Is It Done?
This type of surgical procedure is necessary in some situations. It is often necessary when individuals have had aggressive medical treatments that have not produced the type of results desired. If nasal or other types of polyps are found in this area, surgeries can help to remove that material. In some cases, the condition will develop from a fungal infection. This alone can trigger the need for surgery. In other cases, structural deformities or other abnormalities in this area may warrant the process. If your doctor believes you have chronic sinusitis due to HIV or cancer, then surgeries are often necessary to improve the situation.
The good news is sinus surgery does not need to be invasive. In many cases, your doctor will use an endoscopic or balloon sinuplasty to complete these procedures. These do not require cuts made to your skin. Your surgeon will discuss the options available for your individual procedure and condition with you thoroughly. If you suffer from pain and discomfort regularly, find out if there is a chronic or other concern occurring that requires additional treatment. There is help available in nearly all cases.
