Pre & Post-Surgery Information

Prior to surgery, an endoscope is used to examine nasal and sinus passages, and CT scans are taken to build a computerized model of the patient's skull. During surgery, the surgeon views a computer monitor where the image guidance system shows the location of the surgical instrument's tip on the CT scans. Tissue that is obstructing the sinuses is surgically removed so that sinuses can drain properly.

Almost all patients go home shortly after surgery and without gauze packing in their noses. The surgical precision of the image guidance system means that less tissue is damaged, so recovery is faster and there is less discomfort than in surgeries that previously required open incisions.

Patient's Problem Relieved

One patient struggled through ten years of chronic sinusitis, three sinus surgeries, and three vocal cord surgeries before turning to the Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery for help. She felt a lot of people had given up on her. 

She had been on antibiotics constantly, nearly every month with two weeks on, two weeks off. The strength of the antibiotics was constantly increased. She explained how the use of antibiotics affected her joints. 

Her right, frontal sinuses closed off and nothing would drain. After a while, a membrane grew in the opening, trapping the mucus and causing severe eye pain. Finally, she had 100% blockage that was so close to the brain and eyes, that it was imperative she have surgery. 

At this point, she turned to the Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery. They explained that opening the membrane could be difficult due to the small space, and because of it being so close to the brain and eyes. The image-guided surgery system has been particularly helpful in these situations.

The patient went through the surgery with a normal healing process and no complications. She has been completely healthy since this surgery