Sinus Surgery

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A runny nose can be annoying. But one that lasts for weeks and causes pain and pressure in your face and head could be something more serious.

Chronic sinusitis can be exhausting. The pain and pressure can make it hard to think straight. A constant drip of mucus may cause bad breath (halitosis) and leave an awful taste in your mouth. And you may even have a fever and a cough. It can seem like your symptoms will never go away.

Cleveland Clinic’s head and neck experts can help stop this misery. During sinus surgery, we’ll clear blocked sinuses to help you breathe easier and relieve the headaches, toothaches and ear pain that often come with sinus problems. Our healthcare providers use sinus surgery to remove nasal polyps and treat sinus problems caused by a deviated septum. We help put sinus pain behind you so you can feel like yourself again.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Sinus Surgery?

Comprehensive treatment:

Our providers take the time to talk with you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. And we’ll use the latest testing tools to understand what’s causing your sinus infections or pain. Our team then works together to create the right treatment plan for you. Meet our team.

Minimally invasive options:

We use the newest surgery options to remove only the amount of sinus tissue or bone needed to fix the problem. These less-invasive surgeries help you heal and recover faster.

High-volume specialty:

We do many sinus surgeries each year. And we have the training, experience and skill to manage even the most complex sinus problems.

Virtual visits:

For some appointments, you might be able to schedule virtual visits. You can meet with your providers from the comfort of your home, using an internet connection and a smart phone, tablet or computer.

National recognition:

Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.

Diagnosing Conditions for Sinus Surgery at Cleveland Clinic

You may get a sinus infection (sinusitis) after a cold or hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Polyps or a deviated septum can also cause inflammation in the tissue that lines your sinuses. Typically, we treat sinusitis with medications to relieve nasal congestion, allergy medicines or antibiotics if you have acute sinusitis caused by bacteria.

What to expect at your first appointment

During your first visit, your providers may do a nasal endoscopy to examine your sinuses. You may also get a CT scan (computed tomography scan) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). If there’s concern for a mass, they may decide you need to have a biopsy. They’ll use what they learn from these tests to decide if sinus surgery may help you get better.

We’ll work with you to design a personalized treatment plan and talk about what you can expect the day of your surgery and during your recovery.

Meet Our Sinus Surgery Team

When sinusitis and pain don’t get better with medication, it’s time to schedule an appointment to get it checked out by a team of providers, which can include:

Otolaryngologists.
Rhinologists (nose and sinus specialists).
Radiologists.
Nurse practitioners.
Physician assistants.

Providers Who Perform Sinus Surgery

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and London.

What To Expect During Sinus Surgery at Cleveland Clinic

Before the procedure, you’ll have general anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain or remember what happens. Once your sinus surgery starts, your surgeons will widen the openings between your sinuses and inside your nose and remove any infected tissue, bone and polyps. Sinus surgery usually takes about two hours, and you can usually go home the same day.

Depending on what’s causing your sinus problems, you may have either of these procedures:

Endoscopic sinus surgery: In functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), we use a thin tube with a light and camera (endoscope) to see and repair your sinuses.
Image-guided sinus surgery: We’ll upload images of your sinuses from a CT scan to a computer. Our surgeons will use these images to guide surgical instruments to your sinuses in real time so they can remove bone, growths and tissue with precision.

When your sinus surgery is done, you’ll stay in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off. Your healthcare provider will check on you to make sure you’re able to breathe without problems before you go home.

Recovering from Sinus Surgery

Your care team will give you instructions about recovery at home from sinus surgery before you leave the hospital. Typically, you’ll have congestion in your nose or some crusting there for a few weeks. During your recovery time, you’ll have follow-up visits with your healthcare provider to make sure your sinuses are healing as they should.

Taking the Next Step

When pain, pressure and sinus symptoms make your days and nights unbearable, there’s no need to just live with it. Cleveland Clinic’s providers are here to help relieve your chronic sinusitis and other conditions with sinus surgery. We’ll listen to your concerns and work with you to build a personalized treatment plan so you can get relief.