Laser Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Laser endoscopic sinus surgery is the most modern method of treating chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis is a very common occurrence in humans. Poorer patency and drainage of the sinuses contributes to the development of various viruses and bacteria that can later cause more severe complications of sinusitis.
Clogged sinuses can be uncomfortable due to symptoms such as shortness of breath, headache, nasal speech and the collection of secretions in the ducts. In most cases, sinusitis goes away after a week, but sometimes the situation with inflammation can be prolonged, so major complications can occur.
In cases of frequent sinusitis , conservative treatment methods such as the use of drops, antibiotics or inhalation will not be helpful. In this case, sinus surgery is the optimal method for solving problems of the upper respiratory tract.
Laser endoscopic sinus surgery is the most modern method of treating chronic sinusitis. This surgical technique is minimally invasive due to the use of lasers and endoscopes. The operation is painless and relatively fast, given that it is a surgical procedure.
By using an endoscope, a tubular apparatus that contains a camera and a light source, sinus deformities are easily visible, and incisions are almost unnecessary. The operation is performed under the action of general anesthesia.
The goal of sinus surgery is to laser remove tissue that prevents secretions from being secreted through the sinus canals and airways. Namely, the sinuses naturally produce secretions, and when the passage is blocked, the secretion is retained, thus creating a “fertile ground” for the development of infections.
Sinus infections that do not last longer than a month are called acute infections, while those that last longer or that recur frequently are called chronic infections.
Chronic sinusitis occurs as a combination of various factors, of which physical obstacles such as swollen lower nasal concha or deviated septum stand out.
Sinus surgery is called functional because the surgeon tries to enable the functioning of the sinuses again during the procedure, which fulfills their basic function – connection with the airways and the passage of secretions through them.
The sinuses are cavities in the bones of the skull. They are filled with air, and our body has evolutionarily developed them to make our heads as light as possible.
The sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity, and due to their distribution within the skull, they are divided into several categories:
The sinuses naturally secrete a secretion that moisturizes the mucous membrane in the nose, they are filled with air, so any blockage leads to difficult circulation, pressure in the head and more difficult passage of fluid.
Keeping secretions in one place is a fertile ground for the development of viruses and bacteria that can settle inside the cavity and eventually cause an inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory reaction can result in thickening of the nasal mucosa , which makes breathing even more difficult and the potential for the development of the disease even greater.
Ordinary, acute sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics or naturally, depending on whether the causative agent is a bacterium or a virus.
Chronic inflammation is often the result of more serious health conditions in which antibiotics and bed rest are not enough to treat the ailments.
When treating the disorder is not possible with drops, antibiotics, or allergy medications, laser functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is considered the only alternative left.
If you decide to have functional endoscopic sinus surgery, it is necessary to perform tests in order to give an adequate diagnosis of your health condition, sinus problems and to take all the necessary precautions before the procedure.
Therefore, before laser sinus surgery, the following should be performed:
The examination consists of basic methods of examining the functions of the ear, throat and nose in order to identify disorders.
By taking a swab, we can microscopically and chemically analyze the composition of the fluid and isolate potential causes of sinusitis
With an endoscope, we look at the area of the procedure in advance to help us prepare for the operation.
With a CT scan, we observe special segments of the sinus canals, which allows us to notice details that could be useful during the procedure.
In addition to the tests carried out, consultations with a team of specialists are also part of the preparations for surgery. During the consultation, you will be informed about the procedure of the operation and the measures that must be followed before and after the procedure.
Classic sinus surgery uses a variety of specially designed instruments to remove diseased sinus tissue.
What is laser sinus surgery?
The laser removes excess tissue that has caused thickening of the mucous membrane and retention of secretions. During the procedure, the surgeon can laser further widen the passage or make another smaller incision to make breathing easier.
Bleeding during surgery is minimal due to the use of lasers, and there is no external damage, except for the surrounding affected tissue.
The surgery lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and after it you can leave the clinic immediately.
After the surgery, we will put tampons in your nose, which you wear only one day, and the next day you come to us for an examination to assess your condition after the operation.
The very next day after the surgery, you will come to our clinic for an examination where we will check how the recovery is progressing. We remove tampons in the nose so that you can breathe through the nose again.
After the examination, you will receive instructions for rinsing the nasal cavities with saline and antibiotic ointment for the following days of recovery.
After laser sinus surgery, complications are rare. There are no external indicators of the operation, except for mild swelling.
Although complications are rare, they are not impossible. If you notice any of these side effects, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can provide you with an adequate solution:
Bleeding may occur if an artery is injured during the procedure.
They can occur if there is contact between two wounds inside the nose. Symptoms are shortness of breath, sinus drainage and the development of chronic sinusitis.
Tearing can occur if the nasolacrimal duct is injured, preventing proper tear drainage.
Swelling without hematoma.
It occurs from an injury to the lamina papyracea, the bone that separates the ocular from the nasal cavity.
Limited eye movements, double vision, and loss of vision.
Injury to the meninges.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, laser surgeries have become a standard, and sinus surgery is a procedure that we perform on a daily basis. In addition to laser sinus surgery with an endoscope, we also perform other procedures such as surgery for deviated septum in the nose or surgery of the nasal turbinates.
The nose is an important part of the upper respiratory tract and its proper function is crucial for the functioning of the whole body. Through the passable airways, the risks of disease are lower, and sleep is better and more beautiful.
Make an appointment at the LF Polyclinic today. Call us at +3851 2444 646 or fill out the online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
