Endoscopic sinus surgery, also known as endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat various sinus-related conditions. This technique utilizes an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source, to access and visualize the sinuses. Here's a description of endoscopic sinus surgery:
Purpose:
Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other sinus-related issues. It aims to improve the drainage of the sinuses, alleviate symptoms like congestion, facial pain, and headaches, and enhance the patient's overall quality of life.
Procedure:
The surgery is typically conducted under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon inserts the endoscope through the nostrils, providing a detailed view of the nasal passages and sinuses on a screen. This approach eliminates the need for external incisions. The surgeon can then remove polyps, clear obstructions, and improve sinus drainage.
Benefits:
Endoscopic sinus surgery offers several advantages over traditional sinus surgery. It is minimally invasive, resulting in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery. The precise visualization provided by the endoscope allows for targeted treatment with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
Conditions Treated:
Endoscopic sinus surgery is primarily used to address chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and other conditions that obstruct the sinus passages, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pressure, headaches, and reduced sense of smell.