What is endonasal sinus surgery?
Sinus surgery is a procedure that opens the sinuses to improve air flow, which can relieve chronic sinus inflammation and reduce nasal polyps. Sinus surgery is often the last resort when conservative treatments are not effective or when conditions are very severe.

What conditions warrant endonasal sinus surgery?
Patients with recurring or severe sinusitis and/or nasal polyps often endure several attempts to relieve their symptoms: oral antibiotics, steroid nasal sprays (Nasonex®, Avamys®, Flonase®), and non-prescription medications (Mucinex®, Sudafed®). But they still suffer from persistent stuffy nose, chronic post-nasal drip, pressure in the sinuses and face, headaches, sinus congestion, and sometimes even blurred or fuzzy vision. They often complain about a lack of energy and feeling exhausted. These conditions significantly reduce the patient’s ability to enjoy a normal, healthy lifestyle.

What does endonasal sinus surgery involve?
The first step is a consultation with ENTinCayman, to discuss your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will also conduct a painless physical exam of your upper respiratory tract. We use special tools to examine the nasal passageways and sinuses determine whether sinus surgery is the best treatment for your condition.

Endonasal sinus surgery is a minimal invasive procedure as the whole procedure is performed through a patients nostril. Nasal endoscopes are used which allow the surgeon to look at the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses without damaging vulnerable structures. Small instruments are inserted to remove sinus polyps that are obstructing the area.

In most cases, post-surgical recovery is quick, and the patient can return home the same day after the operation. Immediately after the endonasal sinus surgery, patients experience initial swelling and a stuffy nose. A postoperative regime of nasal saline rinses plus moisturizing nasal cremes and lotions with steroids is required to keep the nasal passageway open. Those components are provided by ENTinCayman and must be applied for approximately two weeks. Usually, patients report a substantial improvement in nasal airflow soon after the surgical procedure.

What are the benefits of sinus surgery?
In the long term, patients can expect improved breathing, a restored sense of smell, less frequent upper respiratory tract infections, less sinus headaches and a decreased occurrence of sinus infection.

ENTinCayman performs endonasal sinus surgery at the Cayman Islands Hospital (Health Service Authority) and Doctors Hospital (private hospital) in George Town, Grand Cayman. These surgeries are usually perfomed under general anaesthesia to minimize discomfort. In most cases, patients can go home the same day after the surgery. If certain conditions require a hospital stay, patients are discharged from the ward the next morning.