Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Balloon Synoplasty

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a surgery developed to treat congestion and infections in the sinuses. In this surgery, the sinuses can be seen clearly by the doctor through small cameras passing through the nostrils. The point that needs to be treated through the canal is determined and the procedures are started. Balloon synoplasty is also a method used in endoscopic sinus surgery. It is applied in cases of chronic sinusitis.              

The operation is performed by directly reaching the sinuses through the nostrils. By means of the balloon, the sinuses here are widened and opened. Balloon synoplasty is an application that allows the sinuses to be opened without the need for an incision. The scope of endoscopic sinus surgery is not only for sinus congestion; It is a method used for removal of tumors in the sinuses, treatment of accidental eye socket, optic nerve treatment and spinal fluid leaks.

You can find details about endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinoplasty under the following headings:

• What is a sinus? What is Sinusitis?
• What is endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon synoplasty?
• How are endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon synoplasty performed?
• What should be considered after endoscopic sinus surgery?

What is Sinus? What is Sinusitis?

Sinuses are cavities located in different parts of the face, consisting of four pairs of main groups. They are located on the cheekbones, forehead, inside the eyes, and under the brain. The function of these spaces; to provide good perception of sound, to prevent foreign substances entering the nose through the secretion it produces, to smell, to act as a filter and to reduce the weight of the head.

Sinusitis, on the other hand, is the disease that occurs when there is inflammation when there should be air in these spaces. Inflammation up to 3 weeks is called acute sinusitis, while chronic sinusitis begins to occur after 3 months. Acute sinusitis can be treated with medications. For chronic sinusitis, the treatment method is endoscopic sinus surgery.

What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Balloon Sinoplasty?

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESC) and balloon synoplasty include the latest techniques for the surgical treatment of sinus diseases. In this surgery, methods are developed to eliminate the obstruction of the sinuses or to treat other problems that the patient has in the sinuses. Surgical methods, which have been developed without damaging other channels, are applied in cases of chronic sinusitis that cannot be treated with medication.

When performing endoscopic sinus surgery, many different methods can be included in the operation. Among the methods that can change according to the course of the disease; balloon synoplasty, microdebrider and navigation methods are available. Balloon sinoplasty is an effective method used to unclog the sinuses. In addition, procedures such as correction of intranasal curvature can be performed during this surgery. In general, the operation time takes 15 minutes to open a single sinus, while it can take up to 2 hours when all sinuses are operated.

How is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Balloon Sinoplasty Performed?

Endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinoplasty, which are used in the treatment of sinusitis and other diseases in the sinuses, are performed as follows:

• First of all, the patient is examined. Computed tomography (CT) is taken to understand the problems in the sinuses. The story about how long the disease has been followed is listened to.
• After the patient is diagnosed, the doctor gives the date for the operation.
• Procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
• The doctor reaches the sinuses through the nasal passages through the endoscope. In the meantime, he can see the status of the sinuses live.
• After the blockages are detected alive, they are cleaned with surgical tools.
• Balloon synoplasty can be used to relieve obstructions. The balloon placed with surgical instruments is inflated. With the inflation of the balloon, the sinuses expand and the congestion is relieved.
• After the obstruction is removed, the air in the balloon is taken out and removed.
• In this way, surgical applications are completed and the operation is terminated.

What Should Be Considered After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

The surgical process is done by removing the inflammation in the patient's sinuses. After endoscopic sinus surgery, patients do not feel any congestion and pain. For this reason, painkillers with milder effects are sufficient. Antibiotic treatment is continued for 10 days after surgery. The doctor prescribes salt water sprays to prevent crusting on the patient's nose. In this way, the mucus is moistened.

After the operation, the doctor examines the condition of the sinuses in detail while dressing, clears the ducts from crusts with special cleaning methods and checks whether there is an infection. While patients can usually be discharged on the same day, hospitalization for several days may be recommended in some cases. Tumor development, especially in the sinuses, will lead to a more complicated course of the operation. With the effect of such situations, the process of surgery and the process after it may differ.