Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which specialist should be consulted for symptoms of chronic sinusitis and for undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery?Sinus infections are treated by an ear nose throat (ENT) specialist, otherwise called an otorhinolaryngologist.
2. Do all cases of chronic sinusitis require surgery?
No, only when medical treatment fails and the symptoms worsen, surgery is considered.
3. How does balloon sinus dilation help in chronic sinusitis?
Balloon sinus dilation improves sinus drainage by enlarging the sinus opening. It can be performed as a ‘stand-alone’ procedure or along with endoscopic sinus surgery. It can be done under local anesthesia and most patients resume normal activities the following day.
4. What surgery is performed for a deviated nasal septum?
The definitive procedure to correct the deviation of the nasal septum is called septoplasty. It can be combined with balloon sinus dilation or an endoscopic sinus surgery if chronic sinusitis is also present.
5. What is the prognosis or outcome of sinus surgery?
Most patients report improvement in their symptoms after sinus surgery. A small proportion may need a second surgery within 2-3 years.
