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Sinus Surgery Problems

Nasal sprays, corticosteriods, decongestants, antibiotics and allergy treatments are all effective methods for dealing with clogged sinuses. In some cases, however, these easy-to-apply remedies won't ease the problem. In these instances, your doctor may recommend sinus surgery to widen the sinus openings so that fluids have an easier time draining. Sinus surgery is often a simple procedure requiring little down time and little concern. But, with any surgery, there is always the risk of complications developing during and after the procedure.

  1. Post-Operative Bleeding

    • After sinus surgery, you may feel mild pain. Often, this pain can be dulled, if not completely taken care of with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin. These pain and inflammation medications also cause a greater risk of bleeding from the surgical procedure. Generally, this is nothing to worry about but if the pain or bleeding is unbearable, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

    Anesthesia-Related Complications

    • Because sinus surgery is still an invasive procedure, anesthetic needs to be administered. For a few rare individuals, the administration of anesthesia can result in a reaction and, in severe cases can cause pulmonary and cardiac problems.

    Intracranial Problems

    • Sometimes, if the layer at the roof of the ethmoid or sphenoid sinus is breached, their can be a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, which is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spine. Generally, a good surgeon will notice the leakage before the surgery is completed an repair it at that time. One occasion, the leak will go unnoticed and can lead to meningitis.

    Intraorbital Problems

    • The orbit of the eye is located next to the sinuses with a bone providing protection between the two. In certain instances, bleed from the surgery can get in to the orbit. This problem is typically fixed during surgery. A failure to take care of it can lead to vision loss, including blindness.

    Sense of Smell

    • People who have sinus problems generally have a decreased sense of smell. One of the benefits of sinus surgery is that it normally increases the patient ability to smell things. But, on occasion, the extent of the blockage in the sinuses can make it harder to smell once the surgery is completed.

    Infection

    • Sinus surgery can lead to infection which is curious because infection is often the cause of sinus problems in the first place. But, that propensity makes the sinus sufferer even more at risk of developing infection than that of other surgeries. If the infection is left unchecked it can lead to meningitis or an abscess.

    Obstructed Nasal Passages

    • The nose, and more specifically, the nasal septum is made of cartilage. Cartilage has a built-in memory where it will go back to its original position over time. So, sometimes, even when the surgery is initially successful, the cartilage will move back and cause problems. Sinus surgery can also lead to some scaring with can obstruct the nasal passages as well.

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