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 altered nasal septum, nasal polyps, or narrowing of the orofacial cavities, for example.
The goal of surgery is to enlarge or unclog the natural channels of drainage of the sinuses, avoiding the accumulation of secretions that end up infected and inflaming the sinuses, generating a sinusitis.
Although it works well, in most cases, surgery is only done to allow nasal medications to be able to reach the sinuses and relieve inflammation more quickly. That way, 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 from 300 to 2000 reais, depending on 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 done free of charge by the SUS, especially in people with severe complications or intense discomfort due to sinusitis.
How is the surgery done
Surgery for sinusitis 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 because special instruments, with a camera at the tip, are used that enter the nostrils and allow the doctor look inside the nose and remove the tissue or bone that is blocking the nasal sinus canals.
Thus, there are no scars associated with this type of surgery and the recovery is faster than traditional surgery, occurring between 2 to 4 weeks.
Balloon surgery
Another type of surgery for sinusitis is that done with an inflatable abalone, called balloon sinuplasty. In it the doctor introduces a fine instrument that has an inflatable balloon in the tip, in the nostril of the individual. When the instrument arrives in the correct place, the balloon is inflated, breaking some small bone parts that are tightening the channels, facilitating the removal of secretions.
How is recovery
The recovery from surgery for sinusitis is relatively rapid 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 your doctor;
- Make a doughy and cold diet the first week;
- Avoid eating hot foods or drinking hot drinks for 7 days;
- Do nasal washings daily or as directed by your doctor.
There may be small bleeding and it is normal for the face to become slightly swollen. In these cases, you can apply some ice on the nose or face to relieve discomfort.
Headache, ear pressure and a feeling of heaviness on the face are also common in the first 3 to 4 days and can be treated by taking the painkillers prescribed by the doctor. From the 8th day you can return to your normal activities and physical activity can occur after the 1st month.
Possible risks
The complications of sinus surgery are rare, especially when surgery is done at a certified clinic. However, as the nasal sinuses are very close to the eyes and the base of the brain, in some cases bleeding, eye injury and vision or infection of the eyes and brain may occur.
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