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Sinus Surgery
ExcelENT of Alabama
Advanced Sinus Treatment for Optimal Relief

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Birmingham, AL

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure offered at ExcelENT of Alabama for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and related sinus conditions. This advanced surgical technique allows our skilled otolaryngologists to access and remove blockages or abnormalities in the sinus passages, restoring normal sinus drainage and providing long-term relief from sinus symptoms. FESS is performed using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip, which allows for precise visualization and treatment of the sinuses.

With our expertise in FESS, we strive to improve your sinus health and enhance your overall quality of life. Contact ExcelENT today to schedule a consultation and explore the benefits of functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

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Benefits of PROPEL Sinus Stent in Sinus Surgery

PROPEL is an innovative sinus stent that offers several notable benefits for patients undergoing sinus surgery:

Maintains Surgical Results

PROPEL is the first and only product in sinus surgery with Level 1-A clinical evidence supporting its ability to preserve surgical outcomes. By reducing post-operative scarring, inflammation, polyposis, and middle turbinate lateralization, PROPEL helps maintain the opening created during surgery, promoting better long-term outcomes and reducing the need for revision surgery.

Reduces Scarring and Inflammation

The localized delivery of mometasone furoate from PROPEL helps reduce scarring and inflammation within the sinuses. PROPEL enhances healing and supports improved sinus function by minimizing excessive tissue growth and inflammation.

Enhances Sinus Healing

PROPEL’s controlled release of mometasone furoate directly into the sinus tissue aids in the healing process by reducing inflammation and preventing the recurrence of polyps. This helps improve nasal airflow, alleviate congestion, and alleviate associated symptoms.

Supported by Clinical Trials

PROPEL’s safety and efficacy have been evaluated in multiple prospective, multi-center clinical trials involving hundreds of patients. These studies have demonstrated the positive impact of PROPEL in improving patient symptom scores, maintaining sinus surgery outcomes, and ensuring ocular and systemic safety.

Well-Established Safety Profile

Clinical studies have shown that PROPEL is safe for use in sinus surgery. It has been evaluated for ocular safety, with no significant changes observed in intraocular pressure or lens opacities. Furthermore, PROPEL has not shown evidence of systemic steroid exposure or adrenal-pituitary axis suppression, ensuring its systemic safety.

Signs You May Need Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Recurrent sinus infections
  • Nasal polyps
  • Structural abnormalities
  • Sinus blockage
Frequently Asked Questions

Sinus Surgery FAQs

Where are my sinuses located?

Your face contains five major sinuses on each side. They include:

  • Frontal Sinuses: Located above each eye
  • Maxillary Sinuses: Located below each eye
  • Sphenoid Sinuses: Located behind the eyes, between the ears
  • Ethmoid Sinuses: Located between the eye sockets

Blockages or infections in these sinuses can lead to various symptoms like cheek pain, facial tenderness, frontal headaches, toothache, or more severe complications if the infection spreads to critical areas such as the brain or optic nerve. Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.

What are the risks of sinus surgery?

While major complications from sinus surgery are rare, it’s important to understand potential risks. Sinus surgery involves delicate structures near the brain and between the eyes, so rare complications like brain or spinal fluid injury, meningitis, blindness, double vision, or loss of smell have been reported. Although these are rare, general anesthesia also carries risks, including stroke or heart attack. Less severe complications can include nasal obstruction, bleeding, soreness, persistent infection, or the need for re-operation.

Choosing a qualified surgeon certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery with expertise in endoscopic sinus surgery is crucial.

Will I have pain and nasal packing?

Sinus surgery typically results in minimal pain for most patients, often requiring prescription pain medication for only a few days. Nasal packing is usually unnecessary, but some patients may experience temporary difficulty breathing through the nose for the first week after surgery.

Expectations

What to Expect After Sinus Surgery

After sinus surgery, it is crucial to follow certain guidelines for a smooth recovery.
Here’s what you need to know:

Rest and Recovery

Take it easy for the remainder of the day following the surgery. Avoid driving or making important decisions for at least 24 hours after taking prescription pain relievers. Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling, and consider using warm, moist air to soothe any discomfort.

Nasal Care

Crusts and blood clots may form in the sinus cavities after surgery, potentially leading to further sinus issues. Regularly irrigate with sterile salt water (saline) to keep your nose clean. Avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks. Your surgeon will want to examine your nose in the office within a week after the procedure and may clean your nose if necessary.

Post-Operative Visits

Multiple follow-up visits may be required to assess the health of your nose and ensure proper healing. Postoperative endoscopy and cleaning are typically billed separately from the main surgery. Check with your insurance provider for referral requirements and billing details.

Helpful Information

Post-Operative Instructions

Dressing

Light red to clear drainage from the nose is normal for 3-5 days. Change the outside gauze dressing when soiled or saturated. A 2×2 gauze pad folded under the nostrils with paper tape or a folded surgical mask is sufficient.

Medication

Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, steroids, and possibly a nausea medication. Follow the instructions for their use.

Saline Irrigations

Flush your nose with 8 ounces of saline solution at least 4-6 times daily to remove old blood and secretions, reduce crusting, and keep the sinus openings clear.

Dr. Davis recommends the “Sinus Rinse” squeeze bottle. Pre-made saline packets can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Please use distilled or boiled water only.

Activity

Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 14 days to prevent excessive bleeding. Refrain from blowing your nose for 2 weeks after surgery.

Diet and Lifestyle

Maintain a normal diet but avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

When to Contact ExcelENT:

  • Excessive, bright red bleeding
  • Double or blurred vision, difficulty moving or closing eyes, or eye pain
  • Foul odor or fever over 101.0°F
  • Stiffness or pain in the neck or decreased alertness

Please reach out to our offices if you experience any of these symptoms.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with one of our Birmingham ENT specialists, call us at (205) 988-6858, or send us an appointment request.

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