Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS), and also called endoscopy or sinoscopy, is a procedure that is performed in order to remove blockages of the sinuses. Blockages of these structures can be responsible for causing sinusitis causing both breathing obstructions and pain.

How is endoscopic sinus surgery performed?

The procedure is performed using an instrument called an endoscope, which is inserted into the nose. The endoscope is a small instrument that can be rigid or flexible and is affixed with a light-source and an eyepiece allowing the physician to get a full view of the structures of the sinuses. Surgical instruments can then be utilized by the physician to remove the blockage and improve breathing.

Different methods of endoscopic sinus surgery

The sinus-specialty otolaryngologists at The Sinus Institute at CEI use two primary cutting-edge methods of endoscopic sinus surgery:

Instatrak:
InstaTrak Systems are three-dimensional guidance systems used in minimally-invasive, image-guided sinus surgery. In image-guided surgery, images of the sinuses taken from a CT scan with the InstaTrak headset in place are used to create a data set that effectively create a navigational tool like a GPS which the sinus surgeon uses to find and remove diseased sinus tissue and open blocked breathing passages

Acclarent Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty (TM)

Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology extends the endoscopic sinus surgery revolution by providing the surgeon additional tools for endoscopic surgery. The Acclarent Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty system is a catheter-based device which was designed to assist otolaryngologists in further meeting their surgical goals of clearing blocked sinuses, restoring normal sinus drainage and function, and preserving normal anatomy and mucosal tissue. Additionally, using these devices should not limit future treatment options for patients with progressive sinus disease. 

What is the difference between endoscopic sinus surgery and general surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery does not require any incision into the skin and is performed entirely through the nostrils. The procedure effectively:

• Relieves nasal blockage;
• Relieves facial pain;
• Improves breathing;
• Improves the sense of smell and taste;
• Reduces sinusitis;
• Nasal polyps; and
• Nasal tumors;
• Some deviated septums can also be repaired as part of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Who is qualified to perform endoscopic sinus surgery?

A specialized professional, preferably an otolaryngologist with extensive sinus experience, is necessary to evaluate and diagnose the causes of chronic sinusitis requiring endoscopic sinus surgery. The sinus-specialty otolaryngologists of The Sinus Institute at CEI have over 35 years years of experience treating sinusitis in all of its forms using both medical treatments and cutting edge surgery options. Click here to make an appointment.