When chronic sinus symptoms persist—despite medication, nasal sprays, or other therapies—endoscopic sinus surgery may offer meaningful relief. This minimally invasive procedure opens blocked sinus pathways to improve airflow and drainage, helping medications reach where they’re needed most.
MJ Paciorek PLASTIC SURGERY What is
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Endoscopic sinus surgery uses a small, lighted metal telescope inserted through the nostril to view the nose and sinuses with a video camera. It requires no face or mouth incisions and is performed with minimal nasal packing, mild pain, and a short recovery time.
It’s used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis (chronic sinusitis), where inflammation persists despite medical treatment (usually lasting over 3 months). The surgery helps deliver medications directly to the sinus lining and complements, rather than replaces, medical treatments.
*For some patients, surgery may not be a cure for sinusitis but is one of the many critical steps in managing sinus disease.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining that can block sinus openings, leading to infections and pain. Symptoms can last up to four weeks for acute cases or over 12 weeks for chronic cases, often following a cold or allergy.
When medications and other treatments fail, endoscopic sinus surgery may be needed. This procedure uses a small scope to view and guide surgery inside the nose, widening drainage pathways to improve mucus flow and air access. It also helps medications reach the sinuses more effectively.
Ideal Candidates
You may benefit from endoscopic sinus surgery if:
- You’ve had chronic sinus infections lasting more than 12 weeks
- Medications and other treatments haven’t worked
- You have nasal polyps, blocked drainage, or impaired breathing
- You want a minimally invasive approach to long-term sinus relief