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Sinus Surgery

Overview

What is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery, falling under ENT, treats chronic conditions of the paranasal sinuses, the air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and skull that surround the nose, via surgery. A significant decline in quality of life can be experienced when these passages become persistently inflamed, blocked or infected. Discomfort, facial pressure and breathing difficulties are usually the first signs prompting patients to search for answers.

The primary surgical approach used today is endoscopic sinus surgery. It's minimally invasive by nature and significantly more advanced than the older, invasive techniques. A thin, flexible instrument with a small camera and a light at its tip, known as an endoscope, is used. This helps surgeons see deep into the nasal and sinus passages allowing them to remove diseased tissue, polyps or bone to widen drainage pathways, all done without any external incisions or scars.

Types of Sinus Conditions

Nasal and sinus issues can range from temporary annoyances to persistent, chronic diseases. Chronic sinusitis, being the most common condition, is inflammation of the sinus lining that can last for up to twelve weeks or longer despite medical treatment. Soft, non-cancerous growths called polyps that form in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses, usually accompany the condition, further blocking airflow and drainage.

Acute sinusitis, where patients experience multiple short-term infections each year is a significant condition. Structural problems predispose people to sinus issues, also require treatment like a severely deviated nasal septum, which can obstruct sinus openings. Allergies play a major role for many like chronic allergic rhinitis, which contributes to ongoing inflammation. We treat patients with fungal sinus infections less commonly, or, in rare cases, benign tumours within the sinus cavities.

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Knowing when persistent nasal symptoms cross the line from a nuisance to a condition needing sub-specialist care is important. Facial pain, pressure or a sensation of fullness around the eyes, cheeks or forehead that does not resolve should prompt patients to consult with an ENT surgeon. Chronic nasal obstruction or congestion that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose on a daily basis is another clear signal that needs attention.

Loss of smell lasting for weeks or months is another key indicator, as is thick, discoloured nasal discharge or a post-nasal drip that causes a chronic cough. Often mistaken for migraines, recurrent headaches that feel like facial pressure, should also be evaluated. If multiple courses of antibiotics, steroid sprays and other medications have failed to provide lasting relief, it's time to discuss whether sinus surgery might be the appropriate next step to restore normal function.

Through an examination, our specialists take the time to understand the precise nature of symptoms, their duration and the impact they have on daily life. Nasal endoscopy is a key diagnostic tool performed in the clinic. Using a small, rigid or flexible telescope, the surgeon can directly visualise the nasal passages and the openings of the sinuses, looking for polyps, swelling or signs of infection.

Advanced imaging like a CT scan of the sinuses is the gold standard for surgical planning. It helps reveal the extent of disease, bony thickening and blockages, providing a detailed, three-dimensional map of the sinus anatomy. If endoscopic sinus surgery is recommended, it's tailored to the patient's unique anatomical landscape.

  • Chronic Rhinosinusitis (with or without Nasal Polyps)
  • Recurrent Acute Sinusitis
  • Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis
  • Antrochoanal Polyps
  • Mucoceles
  • Fungal Balls (Mycetoma)
  • Deviated Nasal Septum
  • Turbinate Hypertrophy
  • Epistaxis (severe or recurrent nosebleeds)
  • Benign and Malignant Tumours
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak
  • Orbital Decompression
  • Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

The decision to proceed with sinus surgery is never taken lightly and our philosophy is to first exhaust all reasonable medical management options. We prioritise optimised medication regimens, allergy management and saline irrigation techniques. We recommend surgery when these measures fail to provide adequate relief and symptoms significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

We specialise in endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) when surgery is the right path. Performed entirely through the nostrils, it results in no scars, which is a significant advantage. Less post-operative pain and a faster recovery is experienced, compared to older methods. As opposed to curing sinusitis permanently, surgery restores natural drainage and ventilation. By opening the blocked sinus openings and removing diseased tissue and polyps, we create conditions that allow the sinuses to function normally again. This also allows for topical medications like nasal sprays to reach their target more effectively.

Surgeons with advanced expertise in rhinology and anterior skull base surgery run our sinus surgery department. Focusing on the complexities of the nose and sinuses, they bring years of experience managing both routine and the most challenging cases with teams of anaesthetists and nurses supporting them.

Considering any type of surgery raises many questions and our surgeons discuss all potential options so that informed, confident decisions can be made. They use advanced, high-definition endoscopic equipment and surgical navigation systems for enhanced precision, in complex cases. Our team supports patients at every stage of their journey to clearer breathing, from pre-operative education to post-operative care and follow-up. Committed to patient care, they approach cases with technical expertise and empathy, helping those searching for expert relief from chronic sinus issues across the NMC network in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE.

FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients experience surprisingly little pain. Performed under general anaesthesia, patients usually feel nothing during the procedure. Afterwards, discomfort may be felt in the sense of congestion and a mild headache, which are typically well-controlled with simple pain relief medication.
Recovery is usually quite manageable with most people feeling well enough to return to desk-based work within a week. To allow the delicate tissues to heal, strenuous activity should be avoided like heavy lifting and blowing your nose for a couple of weeks. Specific instructions and scheduled follow-up appointments to clean the nasal passages and monitor your healing will be booked.
Sinusitis is often a chronic condition even though surgery is highly effective at improving symptoms and quality of life. Conditions do become easier to manage, through wider, clearer drainage pathways. Medications like steroid sprays can work much more effectively to keep inflammation under control.
Yes, when performed by an experienced surgeon, endoscopic sinus surgery is a very safe procedure. Although uncommon, as with any surgery, there are potential risks like bleeding or infection. Surgeons can work carefully around critical structures like the eyes and the base of the brain with advanced technology and precise techniques, which helps minimise risk. During consultations, all potential risks and benefits will be discussed with your surgeon in detail.
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