19. I have heard people talk about less invasive sinus surgery. What is this? How do I know if I am a candidate?
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Todd Kingdom, M.D. Denver, CO
Minimally invasive sinus surgery generally refers to the newer endoscopic sinus surgery techniques that many surgeons are now developing and using. The basis of this concept is gentle and precise tissue handling, minimal disruption of normal structures, preservation of nasal and sinus function, and more rapid recovery with fewer complications. Almost all sinus problems can now be managed via these techniques. Older surgical methods utilized facial incisions and more destructive dissection techniques.
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Peter Hwang, M.D.
Associate Professor and Director
Stanford Sinus Center Stanford, CA
In general, endoscopic sinus surgery represents a major advance in the surgical treatment of sinus disease. Whereas in the past sinus surgery often involved facial incisions and aggressive tissue removal, today's endoscopic techniques allow more precise, targeted surgery to problem areas of the sinuses. As a result, the healing process is faster and surgical outcomes are improved. Using the more precise endoscopic technique, surgeons can tailor an operation to provide the least invasive surgical procedure possible. Your surgeon can explain to you the extent of surgery that will be required for your individual condition.
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Berrylin J. Ferguson, M.D. Pittsburgh, PA
Less invasive sinus surgery involves preserving the mucosal membranes of the nose and only making the sinus outflow openings larger. Because there is less destruction to normal sinus linings patients who are candidates for this kind of surgery will heal faster than patients who have undergone more extensive and invasive sinus surgery.
