Sinuses are air spaces in the skull. They are connected to the inside of the nose by narrow channels and small openings. There is air inside the healthy sinuses. They are continually working systems.
The bones that form the sinuses are covered with mucous membrane. Little hairs called cilia help the mucus move through the sinus cavities. This system keeps foreign substances and infection that will be accumulated within the sinuses away. Sinusitis is a condition in which the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Nasal obstruction, postnasal drip, headache, thick, yellow or green mucus discharge from the nose and fever are the symptoms of acute sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis generally gets better in 10-14 days with proper medication. If postnasal drip, headache, and nasal obstruction continue for more than 3 months, the disease will be defined as chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is indeed a combination of illnesses with many underlying causes. Genetic illnesses such as mucociliary activity disorder, nasal polyps, cystic fibrosis, and some anatomic deformities may cause chronic sinusitis. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed when you don’t get relief from your medicine. The decision of this treatment is given after a detailed endoscopic examination and a cat scan of the sinuses.
The features of ESS and the methods of use
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is performed using a camera, special telescopes and specialized instruments. The lining of the sinuses is open, anatomical disorders are eliminated and airflow through the nose is improved with this surgery. ESS can be used in the treatments of not only chronic sinusitis but also nasal polyps, sinus and nasal tumors. Since sinuses are the neighbors of eye and head base, navigation system can be used in critically ill patients.
ESS can be done under local or general anesthesia. It does not involve cutting through the skin, as it is performed through the nostrils. Generally there is no need to use any packings at the end of the surgery. The patient can go home after a short rest and go back to daily routines after a few days of rest. During recovery, it is normal to have some crusting and bloody discharge for 2-3 weeks. You can use nasal saline 2-3 times a day and get your medication regularly.
The life quality of chronic sinusitis patients increase with ESS. The symptoms related to this illness might recur. Therefore, patients with chronic sinusitis should see their ENT specialists regularly despite getting surgery. Correct treatments and regular doctor visits might increase a person’s quality of life.