Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

What is endoscopic sinus surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to open the passages of the nose and sinuses. It is done to treat long-term (chronic) sinus infections. An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) does the surgery.

This surgery is called endoscopic because an instrument called an endoscope is used. This is a small, rigid tube with a light and a camera at the end. Small cuts are made in the nose and sinuses to allow the scope to pass. The surgeon then uses small tools to do the surgery.

Different procedures may be done. They include:

• Removal of adenoids with or without sinus wash. Adenoids are small glands behind the nose. Adenoids may cause problems with the sinuses. The sinuses may be washed (irrigated). The fluid is collected and sent to the lab to check for infection.
• Balloon sinus dilation. Small balloons are dilated to open passages in the sinuses.
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The surgeon uses an endoscope during surgery to open sinus passages, remove growths, or fix other problems.