Sinus surgery

Our ear, nose and throat doctors are specialists in sinus surgery and have the latest equipment for the operation

When is sinus surgery necessary?

The purpose of sinus surgery is to treat symptoms in the sinuses and nose. This can include, for example, recurrent or chronic sinusitis or polyps in the nose. 
Sinus surgery may be necessary if you suffer from chronic sinusitis or from another disease that irritates the maxillary and frontal sinuses, the sphenoid sinus and the ethmoid cells.  

The purpose of sinus surgery

The purpose of the operation is to reduce both inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the sinuses. The operation simultaneously opens up the sinuses so that there can be proper passage from the sinuses to the nasal cavity. This allows all secretions from the area to drain freely again. The purpose of the operation is to restore and widen the drainage from the sinuses so that the risk of blockage is reduced. Furthermore, the purpose is to increase air passage in the nose, reduce pressure from the sinuses and improve the sense of smell. Approximately 80% of patients who undergo surgery experience significant improvement. The sense of smell can improve markedly and often normalises after the operation, just as air passage in the nose increases after the operation. In certain cases where there has been extensive sinus disease over a longer period before the operation, it cannot always be expected that the sense of smell will be regained, although air passage is often improved. When removing nasal polyps there is a high risk of recurrence, but most patients benefit greatly from the operation, which must always be followed up with medical treatment. 

Examination

Before the decision about an operation, you will come for a preliminary examination with one of our consultant specialists in ear, nose and throat surgery. Our consultant listens to your symptoms and examines you. CT scanning may be necessary, and it is assessed in each individual case whether this is required. Diseases and symptoms in the sinuses can in many cases be treated medically. In other cases, an operation will be the best solution for you. If we agree that an operation is the best solution, the consultant will go through the course as well as possible side effects and complications with you. We also discuss what you can expect from the operation.

Furthermore, the purpose of the examination will always be to create a treatment plan that is optimal – precisely for you.

Operation – during and after sinus surgery

During the operation

The operation takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. You are anaesthetised by having a (plastic) cannula inserted into the back of your hand, through which the anaesthetic is injected. The sinus surgery is performed via the nostrils, and the procedure depends on the chosen surgical technique, as described under surgical treatment. The natural drainage from the anterior sinuses of the nose is usually widened. The drainage thereby becomes wider and does not close up again as easily. All the sinuses can be opened through the nose, and there will be no visible scars. If necessary, you will have bothersome deviation in the nose corrected at the same time. At the end of the operation, you will have an ointment gauze strip placed in your nose. The gauze strip is removed the next day. Alternatively, you will have a couple of self-dissolving soft small tampons in your nose. If you have had your nasal septum corrected during the operation, you will wake up with some soft silicone plates in your nose. These must remain in place for one week.

In case of mucosal swelling in the nose and sinuses, it will often be advisable to have temporary corticosteroid treatment in connection with the operation.

After the operation

After the operation, you will have a bed for the day after, when the same consultant will check on you. You will speak with the consultant and the nurse, who will inform you about the plan and precautions in the period after the operation. Bleeding and pain normally occur to a mild degree from the nose in the first hours after the operation, and you may have slight pain over the sinuses. You may need pain-relieving medication. 

You may experience a little seepage from the nose and possibly a slight temperature rise on the same day after the operation, but this normally subsides the day after. You may also have temporary tenderness in the area where we have performed the operation – but no more than what mild pain-relieving tablets can manage. 

Sinus surgery does not leave scars on the face.  

Same doctor and rapid treatment

Regardless of whether the symptoms have arisen acutely or are of a longer-lasting nature, you should be seen by a consultant in ear, nose and throat. Our consultants are ready to help you so that you can quickly have the correct diagnosis made, regardless of whether you are a private payer, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant throughout the entire course.