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Advanced Sinus Surgery
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What Is Sinusitis?
Nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches, chronic post-nasal drip, recurring sinus infections, nasal or sinus polyp – these are all symptoms of sinusitis. Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, is one of the most common health conditions in the country. An estimated 37 million people suffer from sinusitis and sinusitis-related conditions, and over 13 million people visit their physician each year due to chronic sinusitis.
Eden “Clearing” the Way
In 1999, Eden Medical Center was one of the first hospitals in the East Bay to institute the use of image-guided surgery (IGS) in the treatment of sinusitis. Now home to a highly qualified operating room team, all of whom have completed specialty training, Eden performs approximately 100 procedures annually. Patients can rest assured knowing their procedure is being performed by the most active and IGS-experienced medical professionals.
Understanding Image Guided Surgery
IGS has been used effectively since the mid-1990s. An IGS system compares data taken from preoperative CT scans of the patient’s sinuses with information it receives during surgery from special sensors strategically placed on the patient’s head and the surgeon’s instruments. These sensors and instruments connect to the computer via infrared technology and target locations inside the sinus. Three-dimensional images of the patient’s sinuses and the location of the surgeon’s instruments are then displayed in real time while the surgery is being performed.
Sinus anatomy is complicated, and each patient’s anatomy has unique variations. These variations become even more complicated if disease, inflammation or previous surgeries have affected existing anatomical structures. IGS allows for enhanced visualization and advanced surgical planning, which can ultimately lead to fewer complications and reduced surgical time for you.
What You Can Expect
The first step is a CT scan of your sinuses. This scan is very similar to other CT scans routinely employed for sinus disease diagnosis, and does not require any special devices or equipment. After the CT scan, images from the CT scanner will be transferred into the computer system. Your surgeon will use these images to plan the best surgical approach before the actual procedure. When your surgery begins and you are under general anesthesia, your surgeon places a special tracking device on your head. By touching a few points on your face with a special instrument, the surgeon gives the computer system physical “landmarks” for the location and position of your head. This registration process is necessary in order for the system to compare preoperative scans with your anatomy during surgery. The entire procedure, which is done on an outpatient basis, takes approximately between 30 and 90 minutes.
Recovery time is brief. Patients can remove soft packing 2-3 days after surgery, and are generally back to regular activity in 5-7 days. Minor discomfort and bleeding are common during the first two weeks after surgery. Some patients require weekly visits to the surgeon for about three weeks after surgery. All follow up care is handled in your surgeon’s clinic.
Recovery from surgery may also include the following:
· Avoiding blowing the nose, exercising strenuously and bending forward for a few days
· Taking antibiotics
· Using a nasal spray containing a steroid for 6 months or longer to reduce inflammation
· Using saltwater washes to keep the nasal passages moist
· Using a humidifier to keep room air moist, especially in the bedroom
To speak with someone about advanced sinus surgery at Eden Medical Center, please call Dr. Mark Zeme at (510) 889-6673 or Dr. Zev Kahn at (510) 582-2000.
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Image-guided surgery allows for minimally-invasive sinus surgery and a better quality of life!
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