Surgery

There are various nasal and sinus surgical procedures such as a septoplasty, rhinoplasty, sinus surgery and endoscopic surgery. Some conditions that may require a nasal or sinus procedure include nasal blockages, chronic sinusitis, deviated septum, sinus or nasal trauma, nosebleeds, nasal polyps and enlarged turbinates.

Nasal surgery, also referred to as a septoplasty, is a surgical procedure to realign a deviated septum. It may require the surgeon to cut and remove parts of the septum. As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other risks with septoplasty are persisting symptoms, change in shape of the nose, septal perforation, decrease in sense of smell, and a numb sensation in the upper gums or teeth. After the procedure, certain activities need to be avoided. To decrease the chances of bleeding and swelling, it’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities, blowing your nose and wearing clothes that need to be pulled over the head. Elevating your head while sleeping can also be beneficial.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a scope to enter the nose to access the sinuses. It is primarily used to remove blockages from the sinuses that cause pain, block drainage and impair breathing. This procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis.

In order to determine if you are a candidate for nasal or sinus surgery, your otolaryngologist will need to evaluate and diagnose your symptoms. Contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule an appointment.