Constant nasal congestion, headaches, pressure sensation in your face, or foul-smelling nasal discharge… Your signal might be sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis that doesn’t improve with medical treatments reduces your quality of life; it causes many problems from daytime fatigue to nighttime insomnia, concentration problems. If you’re saying “I’m looking for a permanent, surgical solution,” Sinusitis Surgery (Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is perfect for you! At our clinic in Istanbul, this operation offered by our experienced ENT and endoscopy specialists with advanced technology equipment opens your sinus channels and normalizes ventilation, bringing your breathing comfort to the highest level.

What is Sinusitis Surgery?

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where blocked sinus openings (ostium) are opened through a thin endoscope and microsurgical instruments from inside the nose, and polyps, mucosal thickening, or obstructive tissues are removed when necessary.

Our Goals:

  • Restoration of sinus drainage and ventilation
  • Cleaning of chronic inflammation focus
  • Elimination of pressure-pain sensation by removing mucus accumulation and polyps

Technical Features:

  • Takes 45-90 minutes under general anesthesia
  • Applied through small holes from nasal entrance, leaving no external scars
  • Maximum precision with high-resolution endoscopes

Why Choose Sinusitis Surgery?

  • Permanent Relief: When medications and sprays are insufficient, surgery eliminates blockage.
  • Reduced Pain and Pressure: Provides daily comfort by solving the root cause of chronic head and facial pain.
  • Improved Sleep Quality: No nighttime congestion and nasal discharge, uninterrupted breathing.
  • Fast Recovery: With endoscopic technique; possibility to return to social life within 1-2 days.
  • High Success Rate: Symptom improvement rate of 85-95% in suitable candidates.
  • Reduced Recurrence Risk: Probability of recurrence decreases with post-operative medication and care compliance.

Who Are Candidates for Sinusitis Surgery?

  • Chronic Sinusitis Diagnosis: Nasal congestion, nasal discharge lasting longer than 12 weeks
  • Recurrent Acute Attacks: ≥4 sinusitis attacks per year requiring antibiotics
  • Polyposis: Cases with nasal or sinus polyps that don’t respond to nasal sprays
  • Those at Risk of Complications: Those with middle ear pressure problems, accompanying asthma-allergy
  • Symptoms Affecting Daily Life: Headache, facial pressure, loss of taste and smell

Note: Those with active upper respiratory tract infection, coagulation disorders, or serious systemic diseases are optimized beforehand.

Pre-Surgery Preparation Process

1. Free Consultation & Endoscopic Examination

Nasal interior and sinus entrances are evaluated with endoscope.

2. Imaging and Planning

  • CT Sinus: Sinus anatomy, blocked areas, and polyp spread are determined.
  • Allergy Tests: Presence of accompanying allergic rhinitis is investigated.

3. Medical Evaluation

Blood tests, coagulation profile, cardio-pulmonary approval.

4. Information & Expectation Management

Procedure steps, risks (bleeding, rare complications), and recovery process are explained in detail.

5. Appointment Confirmation & Preparation Instructions

8-hour fasting before surgery, discontinuation of blood thinner medications, hygiene recommendations.

How is Sinusitis Surgery Performed?

1. Anesthesia

Comfortable sleep under general anesthesia.

2. Endoscopic Entry

4mm endoscope and micro instruments are placed through the nostril.

3. Opening Sinus Entrances

Ostiums are widened to provide drainage and ventilation.

4. Polyp and Mucosal Debridement

Polyps or thickened mucosa are removed with minimal trauma.

5. Bleeding Control and Dressing

Surgical area is protected with spongostan tampon or light packing.

6. Duration

Average 45-90 minutes; followed by 1-2 hours observation.

The Importance of Doctor Selection

Sinusitis surgery requires both anatomical diversity and delicate nerve-tissue protection. The ideal surgeon:

  • ENT / Endoscopy Specialist: High-volume endoscopic sinus practice and certified experience
  • 3D Navigation Competence: Safe guidance in complex anatomical variations
  • Multidisciplinary Communication: Coordination with allergy, pulmonary, and family physician teams
  • Empathetic Approach: Physician who explains the process step by step and takes time for your questions

Surgery Day: What to Expect?

1. Preparation and Anesthesia Pre-Consultation

Vital measurements, final evaluation, and meeting with anesthesia team.

2. Endoscopic Surgery

45-90 minute comfortable, microscopically precise procedure.

3. Recovery and Initial Observation

Operating room exit, nasal tampon/packing, and observation room.

4. Transfer to Ward and Hospitalization

Standard: 1 night; 2 nights monitoring for extensive procedures or polyp packages.

5. Discharge Instructions

Nasal care (saline spray), head-up sleeping position, mild painkiller protocol.

Recovery Process and Results

  • 1-7 Days: Mild nasal congestion and minimal bloody discharge are normal; support with nasal sprays.
  • 1-2 Weeks: Packing/tampon is removed; return to daily life begins.
  • 4 Weeks: Epithelial healing inside sinuses, polyp recurrence risk decreases.
  • 3-6 Months: Sinus ventilation is stable; you feel symptoms are fundamentally resolved.
  • 1 Year: Annual check-up and endoscopic examination if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is nasal repair also needed?

It can be combined if there is deformity or septum deviation.

2. Do polyps recur?

Recurrence risk drops to 20% with accompanying allergy treatment.

3. Is there anesthesia risk?

Short general anesthesia carries standard risk; safe with expert anesthesia team.

4. When can I travel by plane?

You can fly comfortably after 2 weeks.

5. Is it applied to every patient?

It is the most effective permanent method for chronic sinusitis and polypoid diseases.