Procedure guide · ENT (rhinology)
Endoscopic sinus surgery uses a thin lighted tube passed through the nostrils to open blocked sinus drainage pathways or remove nasal polyps. MedlinePlus says surgery may be needed when sinusitis symptoms persist despite treatment or keep returning. A sinus CT scan is central to planning, so send it early.
What is endoscopic sinus surgery?
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones of the face. MedlinePlus explains that surgery to enlarge the sinus openings and drain the sinuses may be needed in some people with sinusitis. For nasal polyps, MedlinePlus describes endoscopic sinus surgery in which a surgeon uses a thin lighted tube to remove them. It adds that you can usually go home the same day. The approach is through the nose, so there are usually no cuts on the face.
Who may be suitable for sinus surgery?
MedlinePlus lists situations in which surgery is considered. These are symptoms that continue after three months of treatment and acute episodes that happen more than two or three times a year. It notes that most fungal sinus infections need surgery. Surgery to correct a deviated septum or remove polyps may help prevent recurrence. For polyps, MedlinePlus says surgery is used if medicines fail or the polyps are very large. An ENT surgeon decides whether surgery is appropriate after examining you and reviewing your scan.
Polyps can return
MedlinePlus notes that nasal polyps often return over time, even after surgery. Ask about medical treatment after surgery to reduce regrowth and who will provide it at home.
What reports does an ENT surgeon ask for?
MedlinePlus explains that a sinus CT scan can help a provider plan sinus surgery. Nasal endoscopy, a short test with a thin camera after a numbing spray, lets the doctor look inside the nose and sinuses. Before travel, share:
- A recent sinus CT scan report and the original image files
- Nasal endoscopy findings if done
- A history of treatments tried, including steroid sprays, rinses and antibiotic courses
- Details of asthma, allergies or aspirin sensitivity
- Notes of any earlier nasal or sinus surgery
- A full list of medicines, including blood thinners
How should you plan the trip?
- Consultation and nasal endoscopy in India
- Repeat CT scan if your scan is old or unclear
- Surgery, often as a day-care procedure
- Early review, where the surgeon may clean the nose
- Before flying: ask your surgeon when it is safe to fly after nasal surgery
- Home: rinses, sprays and follow-up with an ENT doctor
Air travel after nose and sinus surgery needs a specific answer from your surgeon, so ask early. An attendant is useful on the day of surgery. Plan quiet hotel days near the hospital until your review.
What should you ask the ENT surgeon?
- What does my CT scan show and which sinuses need surgery?
- Will you also correct my septum or remove polyps?
- Will you use image guidance or packing, and how will packing be removed?
- When is the first review after surgery?
- When can I fly and what should I avoid before then?
- What medicines and rinses will I need at home?
IndiaMedica helps you share scans and plan the visit. The ENT surgeon decides what is suitable.
Questions people ask
Will sinus surgery stop my sinus problems for good?
Not always. MedlinePlus notes that nasal polyps often return over time, even after surgery, and medicines may be used to slow regrowth. Allergies and asthma may still need treatment. Ask your surgeon what to expect for your condition.
Why do I need a CT scan before sinus surgery?
MedlinePlus explains that a sinus CT scan can detect sinusitis, polyps and other problems and can help a provider plan sinus surgery. It shows which sinuses are blocked and the anatomy around them. Bring the original image files, not just the report.
Is endoscopic sinus surgery a day procedure?
Often. For nasal polyp surgery MedlinePlus says you can usually go home the same day. The hospital decides based on your health and the extent of surgery. Plan to stay near the hospital until your first review.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Sinusitis
- MedlinePlus — Nasal polyps
- MedlinePlus — Sinus CT scan
- MedlinePlus — Nasal endoscopy
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.