Surgery for sinusitis is called sinusectomy and is often the best treatment for chronic sinusitis, which lasts for more than 3 months, and is caused by anatomical problems, such as alteration of the nasal septum, nasal polyps or narrowing of the orofacial cavities, for example.
The objective of the surgery is to enlarge or unblock the natural drainage channels of the sinuses, avoiding the accumulation of secretions that end up infected and inflaming the sinuses, generating sinusitis.
Although it has good results, in most cases, surgery is only done to allow nasal drugs to be able to reach the sinuses and relieve inflammation more quickly. Thus, surgery may not be able to cure sinusitis, but it helps medical treatment to relieve symptoms faster.
Surgery price
The price of surgery for sinusitis can vary between 300 and 2000 reais, approximately, varying according to the problem to be treated in the nose, the type of anesthesia and the selected clinic, for example. In some cases, this type of surgery can be performed free of charge by SUS, especially in people with severe complications or severe discomfort due to sinusitis.
How is the surgery done
Sinusitis surgery is usually done under general anesthesia and, during the procedure, the surgeon does not need to make any cuts on the outside of the nose, as special instruments are used, with a camera on the tip, that enter the nostrils and allow the doctor look inside your nose and remove the tissue or bone that is blocking your sinus channels.
Thus, there are no scars associated with this type of surgery and recovery is faster than a traditional surgery, taking between 2 to 4 weeks.
Balloon surgery
Another type of sinus surgery is that performed with an inflatable balloon, called balloon sinuplasty. In it the doctor introduces a thin instrument that has an inflatable balloon at the tip, in the individual's nostril. When the instrument arrives at the correct location, the balloon is inflated, breaking some small bony parts that are squeezing the channels, facilitating the removal of secretions.
How is recovery
Recovery from sinus surgery is relatively quick but a little painful. During this phase it is recommended:
- Avoid touching the nose; Wash your face only with cold water; Take all medications prescribed by the doctor; Eat a pasty and cold food in the first week; Avoid eating hot foods or ingesting hot drinks for 7 days; Do nasal washes daily or according to the doctor's instructions.
There may be minor bleeding and it is normal for the face to be slightly swollen. In these cases, you can apply a little ice to your nose or face to relieve discomfort.
Headache, pressure in the ears and a feeling of heaviness in the face are also common in the first 3 to 4 days and can be treated by taking painkillers prescribed by the doctor. From the 8th day it is possible to return to normal activities and physical activity can occur after the 1st month.
Possible risks
Complications from sinus surgery are rare, especially when surgery is performed at a certified clinic. However, as the sinuses are very close to the eyes and the base of the brain, in some cases, bleeding, eye damage and vision or infection of the eyes and brain may occur.
