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Sinus Infection Surgery Explanation and Options

Most sinus infections respond to antibiotics and do not require surgery. However, in some instances, complications or a more serious underlying condition causing the infection have to be addressed via surgery.

  1. Identification

    • When chronic sinus infections fail to respond to medication, doctors may insert an endoscope, or a thin tube, into the nasal passage to try and identify the problem. During that time, they may also enlarge the sinus canals for improved drainage.

    Warning

    • Large nasal polyps, or non-cancerous growths in the sinus passage, usually require surgery as they can lead to recurrent sinus infections, extreme facial pain and an eventual loss of taste and smell.

    Prevention/Solution

    • A polypectomy, or the removal of polyps, is usually outpatient surgery. Polyps can be removed via a suction device or they can be shaved with instruments known as microdebriders.

    Effects

    • A deviated septum occurs when the wall separating the right and left nasal cavities shifts significantly to one side. Surgery can address such related symptoms as recurrent sinus infections, frequent nosebleeds and an obstructed nasal passage.

    Benefits

    • Septoplasty is a type of surgery used to repair a deviated septum during which time the surgeon realigns and refits the septum back into its proper place.

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