Sinusitis FAQ

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Question:

I am scheduling surgery for my left maxillary sinus in early October. What I’ve learned is that 1 of the 2 holes in my sinus cavity (which opens into the turbinates & allows proper drainage) is either completely clogged, or at least partially clogged. As a result, I have chronic Sinusitis. I also have minor allergic reactions to grass pollen, mold, and ragweed. The combination of these coupled with a cold reeks havic on me. Constant fuild in the middle ears (serous otitis), occasional outer ear infections, & sinus infections which cause pain & pressure behind my left eye, and pain in my upper tooth, and causes low grade fevers 100d to 101 d. Also as a result of the clogged hole, I have developed a cist in the sinus cavity which gets irritated as well. The surgery is supposed to be the simplest of endoscopic sinus surgeries. He will simply give me somewhat of a general anhestisia (sorry for spelling)not a complete Knock Out. Enter the cavity, and cut away the opening, and make it bigger. He will also cut away the cist, and any other polyps etc. that may have grown. He isn’t gauranteeing anything, but I do beleive it will at least restore my sinus cavity back it’s original functioning state. I then need to continue with for example mowing the lawn with a dust mask, take an antihitamine prior to mowing, breathe steam especially during dry spells in the weather. I am having a steam unit put into my shower for this purpose. Use a humidifier at night especially during dry spells & more so during the winter. Anyway, I’ve yaked to much. Wish me luck. I will post again after the surgery to let you know how it went, & then again every month afterwards to update you on the progress. I’ve been told by one person that he never reall noticed a difference until after a year. We’ll see…… Later, Kevin O.

Response:

I had this exact surgery 5 days ago.  I was out with full anesthesia and home from the hospital within 5 hours.  I feel a big difference already. The pain over my left eye has subsided and I no longer feel pain in my teeth.  The surgery is nothing to fear and is definately worth it.  The only bad part was the naseau after waking up from surgery.  I slept the day I came home, the next day I rested often, the 3rd day I was back to my normal routine.  Today, I feel great.  I can actually breath better for the first time in 10 years. Tootsyf…@aol.com

Response:

Good luck with your surgery Kevin.  I had that same surgery about 6 years ago and had good results with it.  I also came home from the hospital feeling really good. Marie Wakehouse Marie Aloha, OR  USA marie…@aol.com

Response:

In article <33F5ADF3.1…@ix.netcom.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -  #or…@ix.netcom.com wrote: > I am scheduling surgery for my left maxillary sinus in early October. > What I’ve learned is that 1 of the 2 holes in my sinus cavity (which > opens into the turbinates & allows proper drainage) is either completely > clogged, or at least partially clogged. As a result, I have chronic > Sinusitis. I also have minor allergic reactions to grass pollen, mold, > and ragweed. The combination of these coupled with a cold reeks havic on > me. > Constant fuild in the middle ears (serous otitis), occasional outer ear > infections, & sinus infections which cause pain & pressure behind my > left eye, and pain in my upper tooth, and causes low grade fevers 100d > to 101 d. Also as a result of the clogged hole, I have developed a cist > in the sinus cavity which gets irritated as well. > Kevin O.

Kwvin, your symptoms sound identical to mine and I too am going to have surgery soon. I don’t know the  specifics yet because I haven’t met with the surgeon to discuss the CAT scan (other than for him to tell me on the phone that they indicated mucus that warranted surgery). I sure hope that bit about waiting a year to see results doesn’t come true. I’ll be having the surgery here in Canada so it might be interesting to see if there are any differences in the procedure. Paul P.S. Does it seem as weird to you as it does to me to so look forward to having somebody stick a probe up your nose and twirl it around. ——————-==== Posted via Deja News ====———————–       http://www.dejanews.com/     Search, Read, Post to Usenet

Response:

I’m curious to what kind of experiences you’ve had while having sinus surgery. If you’ve had local anestheisa, what did it feel like? Was it painful? Are there any things I should be aware of before having it done? Thanx in advance for your responses.                                       -Jake-

Response:

JakeMT wrote: >>I’m curious to what kind of experiences you’ve had while having sinus >>surgery. If you’ve had local anestheisa, what did it feel like? Was it >>painful? Are there any things I should be aware of before having it done? >>Thanx in advance for your responses.  

I had Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) a little over three weeks ago.  I also had a deviated septum corrected, and I also underwent submucous reduction of the turbinates.  I was under general anaethesia, but my wife drove me home by 11:30 a.m.  The first night was not good, because the nasal packing drove me crazy.  I had the sinus packing removed about three days later. I have had a little trouble with swollen sinuses, but I’m generally all right now.  I usually am able to breathe through my nose as well as I ever have.  The test will be whether I will be able to avoid the almost non-stop infections that I have had for the two years, caused by stoppages of my sinuses.  Only time will tell if I will avoid that. AKJake

Response:

according to jak…@aol.com (Jakemt): >I’m curious to what kind of experiences you’ve had while having sinus >surgery. If you’ve had local anestheisa, what did it feel like? Was it >painful? Are there any things I should be aware of before having it done? >Thanx in advance for your responses.                                      

I had a very pleasant experience. The most pain I experienced was them placing the needle in my arm for the IV. My gums were a tad sore after the operation, as that’s where they drilled up so they see what they were doing. I was a bit woozy with sinus pressure for a few days following the surgery. I did have local anestheisa, and I felt very relaxed and remember nothing about the surgery. Unlike my operation for my deviated septum where I remember bits and pieces. Seeya,                                                            g…@ari.net Gary "I think they should put the wrapper of a straw on the inside because that is  the part you don’t want to get dirty." – Steven Wright

Response:

I had the same things done as Jake.  About 2 years ago.  Things have been much improved.  However I take guafed whenever needed and I flush a whole mug of warm salt water through my sinus every AM & PM to kep them flushed out.  I feel that if I stoped this I would proably go back to continual infections.  Only had two last year and I was able to get over them with out antibiotics.  I uped my flushings to 3 to 4 times per day during that time.   The doctor who did my surgery recommended the flushings. On 10 Aug 1996, AKJake wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> JakeMT wrote: > >>I’m curious to what kind of experiences you’ve had while having sinus > >>surgery. If you’ve had local anestheisa, what did it feel like? Was it > >>painful? Are there any things I should be aware of before having it > done? > >>Thanx in advance for your responses. > I had Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) a little over three weeks > ago.  I also had a deviated septum corrected, and I also underwent > submucous reduction of the turbinates.  I was under general anaethesia, > but my wife drove me home by 11:30 a.m.  The first night was not good, > because the nasal packing drove me crazy.  I had the sinus packing removed > about three days later. > I have had a little trouble with swollen sinuses, but I’m generally all > right now.  I usually am able to breathe through my nose as well as I ever > have.  The test will be whether I will be able to avoid the almost > non-stop infections that I have had for the two years, caused by stoppages > of my sinuses.  Only time will tell if I will avoid that. > AKJake

Response:

On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 14:04:28 GMT, "Steven L." <sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net> wrote: >Besides the U.S. News & World Report roundup, it would be very useful to >this NG to have some kind of directory of other recommended surgeons. >Perhaps those of us who have had good luck with some surgeon would be >willing to recommend him to others, and we could keep a list.  Such a >list might be the most useful thing in our FAQ.

You are right! By the way, we can post your earlier draft FAQ on the website if you want in s separate section (Old faq and  new faq). If other peopel I could possibly set up a Wiki so that anyone could post in certain sections, but I am a little afraid of the effort to prevent spamming.  Also it makes the website a bit non-portable to use such specialized software.

Response:

On 8/21/05 7:04 AM, in article MR%Ne.9792$RS….@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, "Steven L." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net> wrote: > Don Brady wrote: >> On 20 Aug 2005 20:38:23 -0700, "trailblazer" <trailblazer6…@yahoo.com> >> wrote: >>> I am trying to find a good reputed ENT surgeon in Kansas City, Missouri >>> area. Please let me know. >> http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/rankings/specihqot… >> lists U. of Iowa as top-rated if that is not too far. >> Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St. Louis is also very highly >> rated. > St. Louis is about 200 miles from Kansas City. > Besides the U.S. News & World Report roundup, it would be very useful to > this NG to have some kind of directory of other recommended surgeons. > Perhaps those of us who have had good luck with some surgeon would be > willing to recommend him to others, and we could keep a list.  Such a > list might be the most useful thing in our FAQ.

I recommend asking your doctor whom he would send his family to. Your own doctor is much better at selecting best doctor than some artificial list.

Response:

Looking for recommendations for a good ENT surgeon to perform Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to remove fungal infection detected in CT scan. I heard that Injury to the Eye or Brain is possible during this surgery. How common is that? How to avoid it? Once a surgeon is picked, is it possible to check his/her history of surgery? Do you just call up the hospital? Is it possible to get a record of how many Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries that surgeon has performed and how many were successful, what were the complications after the surgery etc. How many years of experience should the surgeon have for doing this Endoscopic Sinus Surgery successfully?

Response:

On 20 Aug 2005 15:44:06 -0700, "trailblazer" <trailblazer6…@yahoo.com> wrote: >Looking for recommendations for a good ENT surgeon to perform >Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to remove fungal infection detected in CT >scan.

What is the origin and type of the Fungal Infection?   >I heard that Injury to the Eye or Brain is possible during this >surgery. How common is that? How to avoid it?

Oh it’s extremely rare but can occur. They can just repair a leak if it happens. Wise choice of surgeon should prevent it or allow repair if it occurs. >Once a surgeon is picked, is it possible to check his/her history of >surgery? Do you just call up the hospital? Is it possible to get a >record of how many Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries that surgeon has >performed and how many were successful, what were the complications >after the surgery etc.

I’d go manly by reputation.  Look in Best doctors in America etc. And look at published papers. If you talk to the ENT Dept at a major University medical center, they will give you the experience and background of their surgeons.  Usualyy they will have just a couple doing most of the surgery.  They will have a chief surgeon or equivalent.  Often it is on the Internet. Where are you? >How many years of experience should the surgeon have for doing this >Endoscopic Sinus Surgery successfully?

I don;t know if terhe is a hard number but at least a decade or two..

Response:

I am trying to find a good reputed ENT surgeon in Kansas City, Missouri area. Please let me know. I think Best Doctors in America service can be accessed only thru employer or isurer. Individuals can not access it.

Response:

On 20 Aug 2005 20:38:23 -0700, "trailblazer" <trailblazer6…@yahoo.com> wrote: >I am trying to find a good reputed ENT surgeon in Kansas City, Missouri >area. Please let me know.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/rankings/specihqot… lists U. of Iowa as top-rated if that is not too far. Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St. Louis is also very highly rated. I am sure there are others too. >I think Best Doctors in America service can be accessed only thru >employer or isurer. Individuals can not access it.

The older edition is in my public library and is still a good source.

Response:

trailblazer wrote: > I am trying to find a good reputed ENT surgeon in Kansas City, Missouri > area. Please let me know.

If you can travel to Saint Louis Missouri, then Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis is rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 in the U.S. for ENT departments: http://tinyurl.com/bqk2f — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email:  sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.

Response:

Don Brady wrote: > On 20 Aug 2005 20:38:23 -0700, "trailblazer" <trailblazer6…@yahoo.com> wrote: >>I am trying to find a good reputed ENT surgeon in Kansas City, Missouri >>area. Please let me know. > http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/rankings/specihqot… > lists U. of Iowa as top-rated if that is not too far. > Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St. Louis is also very highly > rated.

St. Louis is about 200 miles from Kansas City. Besides the U.S. News & World Report roundup, it would be very useful to this NG to have some kind of directory of other recommended surgeons. Perhaps those of us who have had good luck with some surgeon would be willing to recommend him to others, and we could keep a list.  Such a list might be the most useful thing in our FAQ. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email:  sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.

Response:

Hello Salty, I am 22 years old and just had my 14th sinus surgery.  The first few was to remove polyps.  The last few were to remove the disease (Allergic Fungal Sinustitus).  Although my case is not as common as the typical ESS surgeries I know what your worries include.  I would have all 14 done over again!!  Having sinus problems and the misery that goes along with it is much worse than any sinus surgery could be.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not joy ride, but in the long run, your daughter nor yourself will ever regret it.  My first doctors used a lot of "packing" to control bleeding, however the last two E.N.T’s felt that no packing was necessary, making the recovery process easier and faster.   If she’s ever had surgery before she’ll know that waking up in the recovery room is no fun.  Her face will be a little sore and she may be a little dazed.  If the doctor uses packing it is generally left in for 2-7 days depending.  If he doesn’t use packing, you will notice the swelling to begin decreasing rapidly.  I would strongly suggest going to more than one ENT to find out if one chooses not to use packing on most patients. It’s the best way to go.  If you do have packing, after it is removed (which is not painful, just uncomfortable) you will then be required to irrigate using warm salt water.  (Im sure the Dr. has explained this). This too is not a very welcoming experience however, very helpful in the healing process.   My last surgery was in March of 99 and to this day I use the irrigation system a lot.  Not because I am required to,  but because, it makes me feel so much better.  I’ll be honest in saying that she may feel like she is not going to make it the first couple of weeks (after) because of the uncomfortable packing and swelling but before you know it your daughter will be stopping to smell the roses with the best of ‘em.  Remember, most of the time just one surgery is required, but don’t get discouraged if the dr. suggests a second or third.  Just remember how good she felt when she fully recovered the first time and note her personality change.  Curious, how old is your daughter?  I was 9 when my first surgery was performed and let me tell you, if I got through it, ANYONE CAN! Today’s technology is so much more advanced than 13 years ago.  My advice would be to give your daughter the opportunity of a lifetime and get the surgery done.  The recovery time is not long at all (2-6 weeks) and very tolerable.  Not enjoyable, but tolerable. Keep in mind that the only thing that got me through it was giving the situation to the Lord and allowing him to work this miracle on your daughter.  IT CAN BE DONE! Good Luck, our prayers are with you, your daughter  and your family. Tracy (The Sinus surgery QUEEN) .  

Response:

Fifteen months ago I had ESS to open four of six sinus cavities that were blocked.  The ENT did a lot of work in there & my recovery time was @ four mos.  I can’t say it was painful, but it was uncomfortable & distracting, especially while the packing was in.  However, this was NOTHING compared to painful sinus headaches, dizziness, nausea & feeling of fatigue that plagued me for years. Although I have had @ four sinus infections since the surgery, it has definitely been a great improvement.  If I needed to do this again, I would not hesitate as the misery of chronic sinus infections is something I want to avoid. Frequent sinus irrigation (3x/day after surgery for 4 mos. & once a day thereafter) has helped. Good luck to you and your family Karen Russell saltybob wrote in message

<17795-3873F34…@storefull-221.iap.bryant.webtv.net>… My daughters doctor has recommended that she have ESS. We would like to hear from anyone that has had this surgery. How long was recovery time? Was it very painful? Do you still have as many sinus infections? Using hindsight, would you go through it again? Any other information you would like to share with us. Thank you in advance for any information you want to share with us. Direct emails are welcome but post here also so the entire NG can benefit from your experience. Stay well and All the best, SaltyBob

Response:

It depends I think where they go in. My surgery was all done through the nose and the ENT doc who did it kept telling me how great everything looked. Even so, I continued to have sinus infections and had to be back on antibiotics. No, nasal irrigation did not stop the problems     I met another Mayo-trained ENT doctor 1.5 years later who told me you cannot do complete surgery through the nose. He checked and told me my maxillaries were still infected at the bottoms. He redid the surgery going in under the upper lip. A little more numbness and pain to overcome, but guess what? I’ve never been on antibiotics since and I irrigate about once per week–mostly out of habit.     Pick you doctor carefully–they are not all the same. Two ENT docs I originally went to said I did need sinus surgery, another said I did not. The one who did it claimed he did a great job and I was pure in there. Another ENT looked inside and said I had infection that needed cleaning out. Be very careful, ask how they are going to do the surgery, perhaps look for a Mayo Clinic trained ENT. Or better yet, go to the Mayo Clinic. Good luck… "saltybob" <salty…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:17795-3873F346-7@storefull-221.iap.bryant.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My daughters doctor has recommended that she have ESS. We would like to > hear from anyone that has had this surgery. How long was recovery time? > Was it very painful? Do you still have as many sinus infections? Using > hindsight, would you go through it again? Any other information you > would like to share with us. > Thank you in advance for any information you want to share with us. > Direct emails are welcome but post here also so the entire NG can > benefit from your experience. > Stay well and All the best, > SaltyBob

Response:

Smart post. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tara wrote: > I have not had the surgery, but my advice is GET A SECOND OPINION!!!  I went > through test after test after test and my ENT decided that ESS was my *only* > option.  I was leary and got a second opinion, only to find out that ESS was > *not* at all an option for my specific problems.  Get as much info as > possible and check out the CT scans and x-rays for yourself. > Tara

Response:

I’ve had ESS twice, and it’s a breeze compared to the ‘old’ methods (had that too 15 years ago, and recovery and pain were not easy!).  As with any procedure, make sure that the surgeon has a lot (good) experience performing it, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about that track record.  A good doctor will not be offended, and in fact, welcome your inquiries.  There are some new computer-mapped techniques that are said to improve accuracy and thereby the comfort and recovery times (Insta-Trak). A ‘road map’ is taken of the patient’s sinuses and stored into a computer guidance system for use during surgery. My ESS was performed on an outpatient basis, and my activity was limited for a couple days, then I eased back into my normal routine over two weeks.  There was no packing to be removed, just two stents (small drainage tubes) that were taken out at my two-week follow up visit.  As to having it done again, nobody looks forward to surgery, but if I were to have a recurrance of polyps that couldn’t be resolved by meds, I’d definitely have it again; the relief was dramatic… Of course, all this depends on determining if surgery is really required, and a second opinion is always advisable. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -saltybob wrote: > My daughters doctor has recommended that she have ESS. We would like to > hear from anyone that has had this surgery. How long was recovery time? > Was it very painful? Do you still have as many sinus infections? Using > hindsight, would you go through it again? Any other information you > would like to share with us. > Thank you in advance for any information you want to share with us. > Direct emails are welcome but post here also so the entire NG can > benefit from your experience. > Stay well and All the best, > SaltyBob

Response:

My daughters doctor has recommended that she have ESS. We would like to hear from anyone that has had this surgery. How long was recovery time? Was it very painful? Do you still have as many sinus infections? Using hindsight, would you go through it again? Any other information you would like to share with us. Thank you in advance for any information you want to share with us. Direct emails are welcome but post here also so the entire NG can benefit from your experience. Stay well and All the best, SaltyBob

Response:

I have not had the surgery, but my advice is GET A SECOND OPINION!!!  I went through test after test after test and my ENT decided that ESS was my *only* option.  I was leary and got a second opinion, only to find out that ESS was *not* at all an option for my specific problems.  Get as much info as possible and check out the CT scans and x-rays for yourself. Tara

Response:

Ed, I had sinus surgery in September 1996. I also haven’t had an infection since but I still have problems associated with chronic sinusitis – inflammation and  congestion, excess mucous, cyst in maxillary sinus e.g. Do you have the same  sort of problems  that surgery didn’t help? Marlab…@aol.com

Response:

Has anyone had this done?  Does it work and what are the risks?  Thanks for any replies

Response:

Rob : I had the surgery done in June of 1996.It worked for me as far as not having any more sinuis infections. There were some risks as in all surgeries,it doesnt always work I have been told.  Knowning what affect it had on me I would do it again. Ed – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -RobG77 wrote: > Has anyone had this done?  Does it work and what are the risks?  Thanks for any > replies

Response:

Rob, Yes, I had endoscoping sinus surgery last May.  Did it work?  Not like I expected it would.  I can tell the ostea (sinus openings) are more open than they were.  But I still have infected-looking discharge for long periods and often have that "slightly sick all over" feeling. I avoided the surgery for years, because there didn’t seem to be anything wrong structurally with my sinuses, and according to the book "Sinus Survival," surgery isn’t usually very effective unless the cause for your problem is a structural one.  If it’s not, then you’re not dealing with the real cause(s), according to the book. But at the last c-scan, it did appear that there were polyps and some sort of enlarged turbinate problem, so I submitted to the surgery for those problems and to open up the ostea.  I think the sinuses drain better, but I think they’re still chronically inflamed and they still get full of "gunk." I don’t know that it was a total waste, but I wouldn’t call mine a success, either.  I’m working with eliminating the foods I’m allergic to.  Wheat is a "biggie" for me, and I can feel the congestion set in about eight hours after eating much of it. I hope you have better luck if you do the surgery. Bob G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -RobG77 wrote in message <19971201035900.WAA18…@ladder02.news.aol.com>… >Has anyone had this done?  Does it work and what are the risks?  Thanks for any >replies

Response:

Filed under: Maxillary sinusitis

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