Minimally invasive functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can be considered if medical treatment fails, or if there is nasal or sinus obstruction that cannot be corrected with medications. FESS combines the most recent techniques and technologies, and is recommended for most sinus disease. Balloon sinuplasty is a new procedure that may be an excellent tool for frontal sinus disease. It also offers patients with limited disease an option for less invasive therapy.

How is sinus surgery performed?

With an endoscope, the surgeon looks at a magnified view of the internal nose on a television monitor, and while doing so, removes diseased tissue and polyps and clears the narrow channels between the sinuses. New image guidance systems allow our surgeons to achieve a much more complete removal of disease with much higher degree of safety. This is the safest way of doing things and allows for the most complete removal of disease.

What are the risks of surgery?

Although there are some risks involved with sinus surgery, we have performed thousands of cases without complication.

What does post-operative care entail?

Most patients can expect no restrictions on their diet or activity and can return to work as soon as they feel up to it.

Inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses is called sinusitis. Sinuses are normally filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs, bacteria and viruses can grow and cause an infection.  The common cold, nasal polyps, allergic reactions or a deviated septum are all conditions that may cause sinus blockage.

Different types of sinusitis include:

• Acute sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 10 to 14 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.
• Subacute sinusitis: An inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis: A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer.
• Recurrent sinusitis: Several attacks within a year.
  
  

Some of the symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

• Facial pressure and pain
• Nasal discharge
• Cough
• Congenstion
• Loss of smell
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Tooth pain
• Fatigue
  
  

The Sinus and Allergy Center at Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat is focused exclusively on nasal, sinus, and allergy problems. We are board certified ear, nose and throat surgeons. We have residency training and fellowship accreditation in allergy and sinus surgery.

We offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive, image-guided sinus surgery as well as nasal airway surgery. We also offer comprehensive allergy testing and treatment, utilizing all the latest technology and techniques. 

Our unique combination of skills, training and experience allows the Sinus and Allergy Center to be the final consult for all your allergy, nasal and sinus problems.

Otolaryngologist Dr. Thomas Tamura, of Midwest ENT discusses common pediatric procedures, adenoid removal and ear tube insertions. Dr. Tamura also explains how allergies affect sinuses and how sinus surgery can help people with chronic sinus infections.  

* Adenoid Removal and Ear Tube Insertion for Kids

Video courtesy of the Brookings Health System

* Allergies, Sinuses, and Surgical Relief

Video courtesy of the Brookings Health System