Signs You May Need Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery When medications and other basic treatments stop working to relieve your constant sinus issues, it might be time to consider other options from the Atkins Expert Sinus Care team. We provide personalized treatments for sinus and allergy problems in San Antonio, including functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Among the signs and symptoms that indicate you may need this procedure are: Facial pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness around your eyes and forehead Constant nasal congestion that blocks your breathing A reduced sense of smell or taste Thick, discolored drainage from your nose or down the back of your throat Frequent headaches linked to sinus pressure
Conditions We Can Treat With This Procedure Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is highly effective for treating several ongoing nasal problems. By opening the sinus pathways, we can help your sinuses drain properly. We commonly use this procedure to address: Chronic Sinusitis – This is a condition where the spaces inside your nose and head are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Nasal Polyps – These are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They can block your airways, making breathing difficult. Recurrent Sinus Infections – If you get sinus infections multiple times a year, surgery can help stop the cycle. Deviated Septum – Sometimes, surgery is combined with fixing a crooked nasal septum to improve airflow.
The Different Types Of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Depending on your specific needs, your doctor will choose the right type of endoscopic sinus surgery. The goal is always to restore normal sinus drainage while keeping as much of your natural tissue as possible. Here are the main types we perform: Ethmoidectomy – This clears out the ethmoid sinuses, which are located between your eyes. It helps remove blockages and infected tissue. Maxillary Antrostomy – This procedure opens up the maxillary sinuses, located behind your cheeks, so that they can drain properly. Sphenoidotomy – This targets the sphenoid sinuses deep behind your nose to clear out infections. Frontal Sinusotomy – This opens up the frontal sinuses in your forehead to relieve pressure and pain.
Preparation Before Surgery Getting ready for your procedure is simple, and our team will guide you every step of the way. Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth surgery and a quick recovery. You should do the following before your surgery date: Stop Certain Medications – You’ll need to stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, and ibuprofen a week or two before surgery to reduce bleeding. Avoid Smoking – Smoking can slow down your healing process. It’s best to stop smoking at least a few weeks before your procedure. Arrange a Ride – Because you’ll be given anesthesia, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery. Fast Before Surgery – You’ll likely need to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
How Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Performed? Functional endoscopic sinus surgery uses small endoscopes and instruments inserted via the nostrils to visualize the blocked sinuses directly. Obstructing tissue and bone can be precisely removed while preserving healthy structures.
Potential Risks And Complications As with any medical procedure, there are some functional endoscopic sinus surgery risks you should know. Atkins Expert Sinus Care wants you to be fully informed so that you can make the best decision for your health. That also includes understanding the functional endoscopic sinus surgery side effects. We warn our patients in San Antonio of the following side effects and risks: Bleeding – Some minor bleeding is normal for the first few days after surgery. Infection – There’s a small risk of infection after the procedure, which can be treated with antibiotics. Changes in Smell or Taste – You might notice temporary changes in your sense of smell, though this usually improves as you heal. Nasal Congestion – Swelling inside your nose can make you feel stuffy for a week or two. Rare Complications – In very rare cases, there can be damage to the eye or spinal fluid leaks, but our highly trained experts take every precaution to prevent this.
