Sinus surgery (endoscopic sinus surgery)
Who this is for
Adults and older children with long-term (chronic) sinusitis, nasal polyps or repeated sinus infections that have not settled with medical treatment such as saline rinses, steroid nasal sprays and, where needed, antibiotics. Many people with sinus symptoms do not need surgery.
Common symptoms
Blocked or congested nose lasting more than 12 weeks
Thick discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat
Facial pressure or pain
Reduced sense of smell
How we assess sinus problems
At your consultation the surgeon will take a history and examine your nose, usually with a thin telescope (nasal endoscopy) in the rooms. A CT scan of the sinuses is often needed before surgery is considered. Allergy testing or other tests may be suggested.
Treatment options
Medical treatment: saline irrigation, steroid sprays or rinses, short courses of oral medication.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): performed under general anaesthetic through the nostrils, with no cuts on the face. The surgeon widens the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses and removes polyps if present. It is sometimes combined with septoplasty or turbinate reduction.
Surgery aims to improve drainage and help medical treatment work. Results vary between people: symptoms and polyps can return, and most people still need ongoing sprays or rinses afterwards.
Risks
All surgery has risks. Your surgeon will discuss the ones that apply to you. For sinus surgery they include:
Bleeding, which occasionally needs packing or a return to theatre
Infection
Scarring (adhesions) inside the nose
Symptoms continuing or returning, including regrowth of polyps
Change in sense of smell
Rare but serious risks: injury to the eye or tissues around the eye, leak of the fluid around the brain (CSF leak) and related infection
Risks of general anaesthetic
Recovery (typical)
Most people go home the same day or the next day. Expect a blocked nose and some blood-stained discharge for one to two weeks. Saline rinses are used after surgery. Most people take about one to two weeks off work. Avoid heavy lifting, nose blowing and flying for the period your surgeon advises. A follow-up appointment is arranged to clean the nose and check healing.
Where
Consultations at our Bella Vista rooms (near Norwest) and in Parramatta. Surgery is performed in an accredited hospital; your surgeon will confirm which one.
Related pages: Septoplasty · Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
Referral: To see a specialist and claim a Medicare rebate you need a current referral from your GP or another specialist. Please talk to your GP first; they can email the referral to admin@entsurgeons-sydney.com.au. New referrals are usually seen within 1–2 weeks.
Fees: Private fees apply. A Medicare rebate is available with a valid referral, and bulk billing may be offered in some circumstances. Our rooms will explain consultation and any procedure fees before your appointment.
Contact: Sydney ENT Surgeons, Suite A11, Level 1, 24–32 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153 · (02) 8883 5368 · admin@entsurgeons-sydney.com.au. Parramatta consultations at Agios Health, 3/23 Hassall Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 · (02) 8608 2262.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. You are welcome to seek a second opinion from another appropriately qualified practitioner before deciding on treatment.
In an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.