What is nasal and sinus surgery?
When conservative treatments (saline nasal rinses and topical steroid sprays) are not effective, nose and sinus surgery is sometimes necessary to treat chronic conditions such as nasal obstruction, chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and related problems.

What conditions require nasal and sinus surgery?
If any of these symptoms are recurring and severe, surgery may be the only effective alternative: stuffy nose, ongoing rhinosinusitis, pressure or pain in the face (below the eyes, above the eyes, in between the eyes), nasal discharge, headaches, congestion in sinuses or facial area, blurred or fuzzy vision.

What does nasal and sinus surgery involve?
These surgeries are minimally invasive. Your doctor will recommend the best procedure after thorough evaluation of your condition. The options include:

Nasal Septoplasty
Nasal septoplasty is a surgical treatment for a deviated nasal septum. It corrects damage or deformities of the cartilage in between the nostrils. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. Usually, patients leave hospital a few hours after the procedure.

Turbinoplasty
Turbinoplasty is a minimal invasive technique for reducing the size of the nasal turbinates. This procedure helps to improve nasal breathing function and is often combined with other surgeries to the nose, such as nasal septoplasty.

Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is advised for chronic rhinosinusitis, recurrent blockage of the frontal recess, and other related sinus conditions. The surgeon inserts a small endoscope through the nostril, views the inside of the nasal cavity and sinuses, and inflates a small balloon in the sinus passage to expand the area. The result is a wider nasal passage, which eventually prevents recurring infections.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is performed by inserting a thin endoscope with an attached camera into the nose to give the surgeon a detailed view of the nasal cavity and sinuses. Then various small surgical instruments are used to remove nasal polyps and other inflamed tissues that are obstructing the area. FESS is minimally invasive, as the procedure is performed through the nostrils without a skin incision.

ENTinCayman performs nasal and 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 a few hours after the surgery. If certain conditions require a hospital stay, patients are discharged from the ward the next morning.