Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

An extremely effective minimally-invasive procedure, endoscopic sinus surgery is used to remove structural blockages inside the sinuses that cause chronic sinusitis.

The procedure can be used to correct a deviated septum, as well as remove nasal polyps and tumors.

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is an extremely common ongoing condition that prevents the sinuses from draining, causing mucus to build up. When the condition is caused by a blockage in the sinuses due to a deviated septum, nasal polyps or a tumor, endoscopic sinus surgery is the recommended surgical treatment option.

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be painful and debilitating, and can greatly interfere with your overall quality of life. The most common symptoms of this condition include:

Headaches.
Pain in the teeth and/or face.
Trouble breathing through the nose.
Swelling and tenderness around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead.
Pressure or congestion in the sinuses.
Changes or loss of smell or taste.
Green or yellow discharge from the nose.
Fatigue.
Bad breath.
Nasal discharge that causes a sore throat.

An Overview of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery has evolved quite a bit over the years. In the past, doctors treated chronic sinusitis in the operating room under general anesthesia, removing bone and tissue that prohibited normal sinus drainage. In this way, the sinuses were opened, allowing them to drain properly. Though effective, it was a significant surgical procedure that involved a substantial recovery period.

Endoscopic sinus surgery, on the other hand, is a less invasive procedure. It can be performed under general or local anesthesia, however, no incisions are involved. Rather, Dr. Lee will place an ultra-thin lighted endoscope attached to a camera inside your nose. This tool will shine light into the various areas of your nose and sinuses, allowing her to identify exactly what’s causing the blockage.

From there, she will insert tiny surgical instruments inside the nose to remove the blockages, thus improving your breathing and achieving symptom relief from chronic sinusitis. Because the procedure is performed entirely inside the nostrils and no incisions are involved, you will be able to return home the very same day to begin the healing process.

woman getting her nose checked by a doctor

What to expect during recovery

As a minimally-invasive procedure, you can expect a relatively quick recovery period with mild discomfort after your endoscopic sinus surgery. For the first few days, you may experience discomfort, fatigue, congestion, and drainage, though these side effects will subside naturally over time. If you are experiencing pain in the area, Dr. Lee will prescribe medication to ensure your comfort as you heal. In most cases, you will be able to resume work and your normal daily activities within one to two weeks, though Dr. Lee will provide you with more personalized guidance during your post-operative appointments.

Insurance Disclaimer

Insurance In some cases, a patient’s procedure is medically necessary and therefore covered by insurance. Provided you have given us your insurance information, we will happily file a claim to help get the coverage you deserve. Due to our electronic filing process, your insurance will receive your claim within only days of treatment. However, if your insurance does not pay within 30 days, you will be responsible for the balance on your account.

While we file your medical insurance, we do not have a contract with your insurance nor are we responsible for your insurance company’s response to the claim. Our primary responsibility lies in estimating your cost of treatment, and we do not guarantee that your insurance will provide coverage. Further, we are not responsible for errors incurred during the filing process. Please ensure our information is up to date regarding your insurance policy. This information includes insurance company address, policy name, and change of employment.

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Kimberly J. Lee today

If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis symptoms that interfere with your quality of life, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kimberly Lee today. During your meeting, she will provide a full physical examination, as well as compose a custom surgical plan designed to open up your sinuses and remove any blockages in the most minimally invasive way possible, offering long-lasting and profound symptom relief.