SINUSITIS SURGERY
Sinusitis, which is one of the most common problems in the upper respiratory tract; It significantly reduces people’s quality of daily life. Because of the sinusitis problem, which is defined as the inflammation of the sinuses, many patients resort to sinusitis surgery for treatment. Sinuses; are defined as the air spaces within the skull bones. Inner surface of the sinuses behind the nose, around the eyes and in the forehead; It is covered with a mucous layer, as on the inner surface of the nose. Situations that prevent the transfer of mucus produced by the mucosa lining the sinuses to the nose reveal the problem of sinusitis.
Introduction to Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a disease that significantly affects daily life and reduces the quality of life. As a result of the researches, it has been determined that approximately one out of every eight people in the society has a sinusitis problem. Although the complaints caused and the severity of these complaints may vary from person to person, the main findings of the sinusitis problem can be listed as follows; Headache, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, nasal discharge, decreased sense of smell and taste, pain and tearing around the eyes, sore throat and bad breath, high fever, weakness and fatigue. Sinusitis problem can be seen in people of all ages. Especially in the winter months, an increase in the problem of sinusitis is observed with the effect of cold weather. If the complaints related to sinusitis last longer than 3 months, the problem is defined as chronic sinusitis, and in this case, the option of sinusitis surgery may be considered in the treatment. The treatment of sinusitis problem can be applied in two ways as surgical and non-surgical. Surgical methods are used in cases where non-surgical methods do not provide benefits and the experienced complaints cannot be resolved. Sinusitis surgery is performed especially in cases where the ventilation channels of the sinuses are clogged.
Surgical Method in the Treatment of Sinusitis
Throughout the history of civilization, the methods applied in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases have developed and transformed depending on the possibilities of the period. Today, with the development of modern medical technology and the realization of scientific studies in a much more comprehensive way, the methods applied in the surgical treatment of the sinusitis problem have also changed. Today, endoscopic sinus surgery is frequently used in sinusitis surgery. Treatment planning and targeted process in sinusitis surgery are as follows; Treatment of congenital or acquired anatomical disorders in the sinuses, elimination of the problems that cause obstruction in the sinus aeration and discharge channels, providing air in and out of the sinuses by expanding the channels connecting the sinuses to the nose, preventing allergy problems (allergic rhinitis).
Differences Between Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis
Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis problems in the upper respiratory tract are often confused diseases due to the closeness of the complaints. The problem of allergic rhinitis is defined as the swelling of the mucosal structure on the inner surface of the nose and causing symptoms such as nasal congestion as a result of allergic reactions. Sinusitis, on the other hand, is defined as the inflammation of the mucosa that covers the air spaces in the bones around the nasal cavity. If patients consult a doctor with complaints such as nasal congestion, headache or post-nasal drip, the definitive diagnosis is made using endoscopic examination and, if necessary, various imaging techniques.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Today, endoscopic sinus surgery; In addition to the sinusitis problem, it is a method used in the removal of tumors in the sinuses, the treatment of bone injuries in the anterior skull base and the treatment of orbital damage. The experience and technical skills of the doctor who will perform the application are of great importance in this method, which is used quite frequently all over the world. In the treatment of sinusitis problem with endoscopic sinus surgery, surgical planning is done in a very detailed way. In this process, the follow-up and care required after the surgery, as well as the proper performance of the surgery, greatly affect the healing process. The points to be considered by patients who will be treated with endoscopic sinus surgery are as follows; First of all, it is very important that the operation is performed by a doctor experienced in endoscopic sinus surgery. Since sinus surgeries are often performed under general anesthesia, hunger and thirst are required for the period recommended by the doctor before the operation. The consumption of tobacco products should be stopped in order to heal the wounds that will occur during the surgery in a short time. The doctor’s recommendations about the drugs to be used after the surgery and the issues to be considered should be strictly followed. Since endoscopic sinus surgery is performed in an area with a very complex anatomy, this surgery has a number of risk factors. In order to prevent complications such as severe bleeding due to damage to the vessels in the region, intra-orbital bleeding, rupture of the jugular vein, abscess formation in the orbital cavity or damage to the optic nerves, it is necessary to choose a specialist surgeon and follow the recommendations of your doctor after the operation.
After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
The most frequently used method in sinusitis surgery in recent years is functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This method, which is applied under general anesthesia, allows the patient to recover in a very short time and return to his daily life. The points to be considered after endoscopic sinus surgery can be listed as follows; You should rest for about a week. The application area should be protected from all kinds of trauma. Nose cleaning should not be done too harshly during the healing process. A high pillow should be preferred for the first few days after the surgery. Special attention should be paid to not using tobacco products. There may be pain after surgery; pain control should be provided with the drugs recommended by the doctor. It is normal to experience bloody nasal discharge for a few days after the surgery. Nasal congestion may occur for a few days after the operation due to crusting of the inner surface of the nose. This complaint will disappear with the improvement of the application area. It is recommended not to enter the sea and pool for the first 2 to 3 weeks after endoscopic sinus surgery. Open wounds need maximum protection against infection. It should not be forgotten that the preventive treatments of sinusitis problem should be applied after the surgery as well as before the surgery.
