Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Kirkland

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Kirkland

Living with chronic sinus pressure, inflammation, or infections can negatively impact many lives and is the main reason why some seek treatment from an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor. Sinus symptoms that persist for weeks, or even months, and do not respond to antibiotics or non-surgical treatment, can require sinus surgery. There are various methods ENT surgeons may use to perform sinus surgery. However, endoscopic sinus surgery is the most common and preferred method of sinus surgery. For those in the Kirkland area, Dr. David Santos is one of the top sinus surgeons in Kirkland and provides the highest quality of sinus treatment at Sinunitis in Seattle.

Defining Endoscopic Sinus Surgery 

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that alleviates blocked sinus pathways and restores sinus function. Chronic sinus inflammation or infections can cause pathways in the nose to become blocked, leading to swelling, irritation, and clogged sinuses. The mucus which typically flows through the sinuses and drains out of the nose becomes restricted and causes congestion in the sinus cavity. There are a few causes for severe sinus inflammation, however, chronic sinusitis, and subacute sinusitis are the main causes of these difficulties. 

Endoscopic sinus surgery, or any sinus surgery, uses a nasal endoscope. This is a thin telescope-like tool, to aid in widening the pathways that are blocked by inflammation. This allows mucus to drain correctly and brings function back to the sinuses. 

Conditions It Treats 

While chronic sinusitis is the leading cause of sinus blockage, there are many other conditions that can cause obstruction in the sinuses. For instance, a deviated septum or sinus polyps can create the need for endoscopic sinus surgery in Kirkland. 

Endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the most effective treatments for many of these conditions and can bring relief to anyone living with chronic sinus inflammation. Here is the variety of conditions from which endoscopic sinus surgery can benefit: 

Choosing to have sinus surgery will relieve all symptoms, or greatly reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms. During a consultation, Dr. Santos will inform you whether you would benefit from endoscopic sinus surgery. He will then provide you with all information on what to expect if you choose to have the procedure. 

Origins of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Sinus-draining techniques and procedures date back through the centuries, even as far back as ancient Egypt. Although, these techniques were mostly used for the mummification process. Intense study of the sinus pathways didn’t begin until the 17th century, but the ideas and techniques during this time were unsound and even dangerous. The 20th century saw the creation of the endoscope which changed the assessment and treatment of nasal conditions. 

During the 1900s, surgeons began improving the treatment and equipment for nasal surgery. Then, an altered cystoscope was developed and used to examine the sinuses and nasal cavities. By the 1950s, this tool had been modified to be able to aid in surgical procedures. 

With the advancement of technology, the cystoscope became thinner and was equipped with lights and cameras. It became known as the nasal endoscope, or nasal telescope, and allowed surgeons to use it as a guiding tool during surgeries. Thus, minimizing any damage to the sinus pathways. Today, endoscopic sinus surgery is the highest quality nasal surgery performed and is used by top surgeons across the globe. 

Benefits of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery  

There are many benefits for patients in Kirkland who undergo endoscopic sinus surgery. While alleviation or reduction of symptoms are two of the main benefits, there are many others that can greatly improve a patient’s life,  such as: 

  • Less difficulty breathing
  • Diminishes or reduces bad breath
  • Widens sinus passages
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Aids dry mouth
  • Removal of nasal polyps 
  • Corrects deviated septum (when combined with septoplasty) 
  • Limited scarring
  • No risk of external scarring
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • No chance of changes to facial structure
  • Long-lasting results 

What to Expect Before and After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery 

Consultation

While endoscopic sinus surgery is a great solution to chronic sinus inflammation, it is typically the last resort in treating the condition, as it is still a surgery. Therefore, Dr. Santos will want to meet with you for a consultation, to determine if endoscopic sinus surgery is the best option for you. During the appointment, Dr. Santos will want to know all your sinus issues and symptoms, previous treatments, and any other medical conditions you may have. 

After the consultation, Dr. Santos will do a physical examination and this may include a nasal or sinus endoscopy. For this small procedure, a camera will be inserted into the nasal cavity through the nostrils. This allows Dr. Santos to have a close-up view of the sinus passages. He may also need to perform an MRI or CT scan in certain cases. This will help him determine whether endoscopic sinus surgery is the best route for your sinus issues. 

If Dr. Santos determines the Kirkland sinus surgery is the best option for you, he will explain the surgery process and all instructions necessary in the preparation and healing process. 

Surgery 

You will receive your Kirkland sinus surgery at Sinunitis in Seattle’s top-of-the-line, outpatient surgery center. Once you arrive at the facility, the Sinunitis in Seattle team will prepare you for surgery and place you under anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken full effect, Dr. Santos will start the procedure. 

To begin, Dr. Santos will insert an endoscopic tube equipped with a minor surgical instrument, in order to achieve visibility into the sinus passages. Then, he will use the endoscope to identify the inflamed areas. Using the surgical tool, Dr. Santos will remove any problematic tissue, bone, or growths obstructing the sinus passages. If he locates any nasal polyps or scar tissue, he will remove those, as well. This process will allow the mucus to begin draining properly and bring function back to the sinus pathways. 

The entire endoscopic sinus surgery typically takes about an hour to complete. However, some procedures can require a more extensive process or can take longer if performed in conjunction with another surgery. The procedure is performed completely in the nostrils. Additionally, it has no external incision sight. Because it is an outpatient surgery, patients will be able to go home the same day. 

Recovery 

The recovery process for sinus surgery is nominal when compared to other procedures. It is usually recommended that patients take a week off of their daily routines to allow the nose to heal properly. In certain cases, Dr. Santos may clear you earlier for work earlier. Sinus bleeding and some pressure is expected during the first week after the procedure, as well as minor discomfort. 

Dr. Santos will prescribe you pain medication and may also prescribe nasal sprays or rinses. This is to ensure that the nasal passageways are clear of any bacteria and remains clean during the healing process. It’s common for breathing to not be immediately easier, and to experience some pressure and congestion while the sinus passageways heal. Certain instructions Dr. Santos may give include: 

  • Limited activity for a week 
  • No exercise/exeretion for two weeks or more
  • Elevate head when sleeping
  • Perform nasal irrigation 
  • Do not blow your nose
  • Rest and do not return to work until cleared
  • Attend all post-operative appointments with Dr. Santos
  • Report any unusual symptoms immediately

Does Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Actually Work? 

Endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the most successful sinus surgeries in treating sinusitis performed today. It has effectively eliminated sinus inflammation and clogging in 85-90% of cases. Not all patients experience a complete eradication of symptoms, but almost all have them significantly reduced, and find the lingering symptoms respond well to normal treatment. Furthermore, sinus surgery improves the quality of life for most patients. There is always a risk for revision sinus surgery to take place, but that is rare. 

The Best Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Kirkland with Dr. Santos

 Endoscopic sinus surgery requires a steady hand and extensive knowledge. Dr. David Santos is a double-board certified otolaryngologist and holds over thirty years of sinus surgery experience. Having performed or supervised thousands of facial plastic surgeries and sinus surgeries, Dr. Santos is one of the leading sinus surgeons in Kirkland. 

His extensive background includes, being Chief of Staff for the Department of Otolaryngology at Valley Hospital for eighteen years, and Medical Director at a facelift clinic makes him one of the best endoscopic sinus surgeons found in Kirkland. 

Sinusitis in Seattle is located just south of Seattle and is well worth the visit for the relief Dr. Santos can bring. To learn more about endoscopic sinus surgery or to schedule a consultation, call us at 206-242-3696. You can also contact us via our online contact form.

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