If you suffer from nasal polyps, congestion, frequent sinus infections or other type of issues that affect your ability to breathe comfortably, you may benefit from minimally invasive image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery. It’s a safe and minimally invasive treatment alternative to traditional sinus surgery.
Endoscopic sinus surgery in Dr. Cohen’s hands can often be performed in the office and only takes an hour to complete. It provides the doctor with an in-depth look at the sinuses and structures inside of the nose. To perform the procedure, Dr. Cohen inserts an endoscope into the patient’s nose and uses special instruments to dissect, cauterize, scrape abnormal or diseased bone and tissues that obstruct the sinuses. Upon completion, patients can breathe without issue because their nose and sinuses are no longer blocked.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery with Dr. Alen Cohen
An important part of surgery is preparation. Just like most medical procedures, outcomes are influenced by many factors, including how well patients are prepared for their procedures. Failure to take appropriate measures to prepare for surgery can elevate stress levels and cause less than desirable outcomes and results. Here are some steps patients should consider as they prepare for endoscopic sinus surgery.
Risks
There are risks associated with surgery, just like any other medical procedure. The most common complications of endoscopic sinus operations include bruising, swelling, bleeding, and tenderness around the eyes and nose. Even so, endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the safest and most effective ways to treat or manage many issues that cause sinus infections, nasal pain, congestion, polyps, and other bone, tissue, and cartilage abnormalities. Patients can further reduce their unique and procedure risks and optimize their recoveries by preparing themselves.
Preparing for Surgery
Lifestyle Considerations
Make arrangements for the day of surgery and recovery in advance. Try to anticipate any issues that may arise and make recovery difficult. Ask questions to ensure you know what to expect before, during and after endoscopic sinus surgery. Review your preoperative instructions with the surgeon.
Medical Concerns and Adjustments
Discuss medical history and concerns with the surgeon, which includes providing the names and amounts of medications and nutritional supplements you may be taking at the time. Some medications (aspirin and ibuprofen) and herbs, vitamins and supplements can cause complications during the procedure and afterwards, such as lowering their effectiveness or increasing pain and bleeding. Some medications should be avoided a few weeks before surgery. Alternative medical therapeutics may be recommended as needed for optimal health management.
Driving and Transportation
Arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of your procedure. This person may need to drive you home, depending on the type of medications you receive that day. Though endoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, anesthesia and analgesics may be provided before and during the operation to ease any fears, anxieties and prevent unpleasant sensations and pain. These medications tend to impact mental capacity, reaction time, and awareness and make operating motor vehicles and machinery dangerous. Also, patients should anticipate their meds wearing off faster than expected and experiencing some pain or discomfort that can make operating a vehicle difficult and unsafe.
The surgeon will provide information on the types of medications necessary before the procedure so patients can make proper transportation arrangements in advance. Patients may need to confirm their driving arrangements with our clinic in advance for operations that require heavy sedation or impairment-causing medications.
Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments
Improve diet and health management habits. Surgery is stressful on the body, no matter how basic or complex the procedure is. It lowers the body’s resistance to infection, capacity to heal, and is associated with less-than-optimal outcomes. Follow all necessary dietary and health recommendations as instructed by your medical care team. Rest more and try to incorporate a moderate amount of exercise into your weekly routine to help boost your immunity and overall health and lower stress.
On the Day of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Don’t wait until the week of surgery to prepare to review what to expect on surgery day. On the day of surgery, patients should:
- Bath or shower as normal unless instructed otherwise.
- Bring their identification, insurance and payment information and a list of their current medications with them to the procedure.
- Arrive early so there is enough time to complete paperwork and sign consent forms. The surgical prep team will also review health history, procedure information and address any concerns or last-minute surgery changes.
- Take all medications as directed.
- Do not apply lotions, creams, deodorants, makeup, or other cosmetics.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Leave all jewelry, accessories, and valuables at home to keep them from becoming lost.
- Remove contact lenses, eyeglasses, and all body piercings.
- Patients who require glasses or contact lenses should confirm when it is safe for them to resume wearing them without risking their results.
Before discharge home, patients receive follow-up appointment scheduling and instructions for post-operative sinus care management, medications, rinses and activity restrictions to minimize the risk of complications for a speedy recovery.
Ready for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding endoscopic sinus surgery, please call (818) 888-7878 at your earliest convenience to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alen Cohen. The Southern California Sinus Institute remains committed to providing our patients with safe, affordable, and minimally invasive treatment options to address their ear, nose, and throat health needs.