01

In this article

  • Symptoms and endoscopy matter—not CT alone
  • Surgery is performed through the nose
  • Long-term nasal care may still be needed
02

Assessment and treatment

  • Preoperative assessment and medicine review
  • Discuss risks, benefits and alternatives
  • Saline rinsing, follow-up and prescribed nasal treatment
QUICK FACTS

At a glance

Definition: Endoscopic surgery may be considered for selected chronic sinusitis or polyps that persist despite appropriate medical care.

Key takeaways

  • Symptoms and endoscopy matter—not CT alone
  • Surgery is performed through the nose
  • Long-term nasal care may still be needed

Clinical steps

  1. Preoperative assessment and medicine review
  2. Discuss risks, benefits and alternatives
  3. Saline rinsing, follow-up and prescribed nasal treatment

Red flags: After surgery, eye swelling/reduced vision, heavy bleeding, clear watery drainage or severe headache needs urgent care.

Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?

After surgery, eye swelling/reduced vision, heavy bleeding, clear watery drainage or severe headache needs urgent care.

EXPERT INSIGHT

How I assess this in clinic

I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with symptoms and endoscopy matter—not ct alone.

Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.

A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.

Do not wait when: After surgery, eye swelling/reduced vision, heavy bleeding, clear watery drainage or severe headache needs urgent care.

ReferencesSinus Infection BasicsUS Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAdult Sinusitis Clinical Practice GuidelineAAO-HNS

For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.