Introduction
Computed tomography (CT) guided sinus surgery is a state-of-the-art treatment method for people with chronic sinus problems. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become blocked and cannot drain. The condition can be quite uncomfortable, causing congestion, pressure, and pain in the face and head. In most cases, sinusitis can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. However, despite medications and conventional surgery, some people still experience significant symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. People that do not respond to treatment or have structural nasal or sinus abnormalities may finally find relief with CT guided sinus surgery.
Traditional surgery requires an open incision to allow the surgeon to view the nasal and sinus structures. Following surgery, the nose is packed with gauze and medication. In contrast, CT guided sinus surgery does not use an open incision or require nasal packing. In fact, CT guided sinus surgery is associated with less pain and a shorter recovery time than traditional sinus surgery.
Treatment
CT guided sinus surgery uses advanced electromagnetic or infrared technology to create a 3D picture of the sinuses. During surgery, the real-time 3D images are used to guide the surgeon and show the exact position of surgical instruments. The surgery is performed with an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin tube with a viewing instrument that is placed through the nostrils. Thin surgical instruments are used and the endoscope guides the surgeon so an open incision is not necessary. This surgery allows surgeons to perform sinus surgery with greater precision than ever before. Most patients return home shortly after the procedure and recover quickly.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Author
Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD,
Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. The library
commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on 4-27-2010.