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Sinus surgery is one of the most common operations performed. Dr. Feinfield will review with you whether this procedure is the appropriate procedure to open possible sinus obstructions. Removal of such obstructions may require eliminating polyps that are blocking sinus openings or possibly enlarging the hole that the sinuses drain through.
Sinuses are the empty pockets that are filled with air in the head. There are actually four pairs of sinuses within your skull. These circulate air while lubricating the nose. This keeps the sinuses free of bacteria, dirt, and other particles. Mucosa line the sinuses and secrete mucus which traps particles from incoming air. These dust particles are then expelled via cilia, small hair-like fibers. Sinuses that are in good health are not obstructed or clogged. Mucus is able to pass through into the nose, and then the throat without problems.
Colds, allergies, infections or other obstructions of the sinuses (i.e., deviated septum) can cause inflammation of the mucosa and block the drainage of the sinus cavities. If the sinuses become inflamed, sinusitis can occur. The mucus becomes thicker and cannot pass through the openings and ends up accumulating in the sinuses. Many symptoms can arise including fever, headaches, and pain over and underneath the eyes. Polyps form when the mucosa becomes swollen by repeated infections.
Dr. Feinfield will determine if you have sinusitis during your examination. He will examine your ear, nose and throat and determine the cause of your sinusitis. CAT scans or MRIs may be used in order to see the sinuses within your skull. Blood or allergy tests may also be performed. Treatment may be based upon the cause of your infection. Obstructions caused by allergies can be minimized or eliminated by treating the allergy. Sometimes humidifiers, a warm compress over your sinuses, or drinking lots of fluids (which thins out your mucus) can also alleviate symptoms. Medications including antibiotics can treat an infection in the sinuses and control the condition. Repeated sinusitis may be caused by an obstruction and will be most responsive to surgery.
Surgery can be performed in a number of ways. It's possible that the walls between the sinuses will be removed to make the sinuses larger. When the sinuses are larger, there is less of a chance for obstruction to occur. Sometimes new openings are created in the sinuses for better drainage. If an obstruction is caused by a deviated septum, surgery can help straighten it out. Many of these options are performed endoscopically and under general anesthesia. Patients usually are treated and go home the same day.
THOUSAND OAKS
SIMI VALLEY
415 East Rolling Oaks Drive, Suite 190
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Tel: 805.494.4797 Fax: 805.494.4810
1687 Erringer Road, Suite 103
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: 805.494.4797 Fax: 805.494.4810