What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. The sinuses are located in the face and forehead, between the eyes. Sinusitis typically causes pressure and tenderness and pain in those facial regions. Other common symptoms include post-nasal drip; congestion; a reduced sense of smell and taste; and breathing problems. When sinusitis becomes a persistent problem, it is termed chronic sinusitis.
What is FESS?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can help reduce the symptoms of chronic and recurring sinusitis. FESS is a procedure that addresses inflammatory and infectious sinus disease. The goal of FESS is to widen the drainage pathways of the sinuses to help prevent the accumulation of mucus.
Sinus surgery may be necessary for individuals who have:
- Documented rhinosinusitis
- Nasal polyps
- Foreign body material that needs to be removed
Dr. Alexis D. Furze, a California board-certified ear, throat, and nose specialist, performs functional endoscopic sinus surgery when all other treatment options for sinusitis have been exhausted. Using the exclusive imaging system, Fusion ENT Navigation by Medtronic, Dr. Furze can perform sinus surgery with incredible accuracy in combination with multi-sinus dilation systems by Entellus Medical and Acclarent. This increases patient safety and procedure precision.
The procedure and recovery process
In general, sinus surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure with the aid of general or local anesthesia. Incisions are not necessary in order to access the sinus pathways. Instead, the Fusion ENT imaging endoscope is inserted, which provides a view into the nose and sinuses so the pathways can be enlarged. Dr. Furze then uses the XprESS Multi-Sinus Dilation System by Entellus Medical or the Relieva Scout Multi-Sinus Dilation System by Acclarent to access the sinuses. Immediately after the surgery, the nose will be stuffy and you will feel some achiness, which can be managed with pain medication. In the first two days of recovery, it is normal to experience some bleeding. To reduce the chance of infection, Dr. Furze will prescribe antibiotics. For the first week, saline nasal sprays should be used to keep the nasal passages moist. It takes about 3-4 weeks for the sinus cavity to fully heal, during which follow-up visits will be required.
Sinus surgery can markedly improve sinus function by:
- Enlarging the drainage pathway to reduce the chance of infection.
- Removing any anatomical obstruction.
- Helping control mucous membrane disease.
Consultation with Dr. Alexis D Furze, Orange County, CA
If medicines and other non-surgical treatments have failed to alleviate your sinusitis, you may want to consider sinus surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Furze will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive physical exam in order to determine if you are a candidate for sinus surgery. Contact Dr. Furze at our Newport Beach office today to schedule your appointment.