This leaflet has been given to you because Endoscopic sinus surgery is a treatment option for you. The leaflet will explain what Endoscopic sinus surgery is, what the risks are and what will happen after your operation.
What are sinuses?
Air filled spaces in the bones of the head that have little openings into the inside of the nose. They help with normal breathing and moving mucus in the nose.
What is Endoscopic sinus surgery?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is an operation done inside of your nose using a small camera (Endoscope). The surgeon will use the endoscope and special instruments to open up and unblock your sinuses. Normally you will be asleep for the operation (general anaesthetic).
Why should I have Endoscopic sinus surgery?
The success rate for this operation is excellent; most people find that when their sinuses are unblocked their symptoms improve within a few weeks.
What are the possible risks and complications?
It is common for the nose to be swollen and feel blocked and uncomfortable for a few weeks after your operation. A small amount of nose bleeding happens in 1 in 4 people, major bleeding is very uncommon.
The eyes are very close to the sinuses and occasionally people get some bruising around the eyes, double vision or loss of sight.
Damage to the eyes is very uncommon (1 in 500 people). Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is fluid around the brain. Very rarely (1 in 1000 people) the bone at the base of the brain is damaged and CSF leaks out. This can normally be repaired during the operation but increases the chance of a brain infection (Meningitis). There is a very small chance that the operation can make your sense of smell worse.
After your operation
When you wake up you may find packing of the nose to prevent bleeding. You can normally go home from hospital on the same day. Someone will need to collect you from the hospital and stay with you on the first night.
You will be given a steroid spray to spray into your nose after the operation; this will help reduce swelling in the nose. Some people will need antibiotics. Do not blow your nose and be sure to sneeze with your mouth open for a couple of days after the operation to prevent any bleeding.
You should not smoke for a week after the operation as this may stop the nose from healing.
Remember that it is important to rest after any operation and you will need a week off work. You may feel more tired than normal for the first few days. You will be asked to come for a follow up appointment around 2 weeks after the operation.
Contact:
If you have any questions or problems, please call: 0161 206 4758
For further information visit:
Date of Review: November 2024
Date of Next Review: November 2026
Ref No: PI_SU_1372 (Salford)