How Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Performed?

Our endoscopic sinus surgeon will administer general anesthesia in preparation for your surgery. All incisions are made inside the nose. During endoscopic sinus surgery, a thin, flexible tube known as an endoscope is inserted through the nostrils to gain access to the sinuses. The endoscope is equipped with advanced fiber optic technology, allowing our endoscopic sinus surgeon to see inside the nasal passages and sinuses in real time. This advanced, operative imaging system provides the most accurate images of the internal structures of the nose and sinuses. Accuracy is of paramount importance because of the sinuses’ sensitive locations near the eyes, brain, and major arteries. Once the endoscope is inserted, surgical instruments are used to remove blockages and improve sinus drainage. Depending on the sinus condition being treated, our endoscopic sinus surgeon may remove bone and tissue to create space for adequate drainage. Nasal growths like tumors or nasal polyps may also be surgically excised to improve airflow through the nostrils.

Is The Endoscopic Technique Used For Other Types Of Sinus Surgery?

An endoscope may be used during septoplasty to see inside the nasal passage when identifying septal deviations. Our endoscopic sinus surgeon will then repair the deviated septum with the aid of operative imaging technology. Learn more about septoplasty by clicking here. Additionally, an endoscope may be utilized during turbinate reduction to detect enlarged turbinates that may be impairing airflow through the nose. These turbinates are then treated to reduce their size and enhance breathing.

What Are Some Symptoms That May Require Treatment By An Endoscopic Sinus Surgeon?

Sinus-related disorders can cause many bothersome symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the below signs, you may benefit from an evaluation by an endoscopic sinus surgeon.

What Are The Different Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Techniques?

There are a variety of different endoscopic sinus surgery techniques that can open up the sinuses and relieve symptoms. Our sinus surgeon specializes in frontal sinusotomy, maxillary antrostomy, ethmoidectomy, sphenoidectomy, and nasal polypectomy.

What Can Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Treat?

Endoscopic sinus surgery can relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and improve sinus drainage by removing blockages and creating space for the sinuses to properly drain. The endoscopic technique allows our sinus surgeon to see inside the sinuses and clear out mucous buildup that contributes to reoccurring sinus problems. Endoscopic sinus surgery can also remove nasal or sinus-related growths, including nasal polyps, sinus tumors, or paranasal sinus mucoceles. Additionally, endoscopic nasal sinus surgery can also improve airflow and breathing function by addressing structural issues of the nasal cavity. The endoscopic technique can be used to correct a deviated septum, as well as enlarged turbinates.

What Can I Expect Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Your endoscopic sinus surgery recovery will depend on many factors, including the size, location, and extent of the blockages, as well as your overall health. Most patients will be discharged the same day as their endoscopic sinus surgery. You can expect mild nasal congestion for 1-3 weeks following your surgery. Because all incisions are made inside the nose, there should not be much external bruising or swelling present. A nasal drip pad may be required for the first few days of your recovery; this drip pad is used to catch any light bleeding that may occur during the healing process. Mild discomfort is usually tolerated well with prescribed pain medication. You may experience some temporary numbness around the teeth; this is typical and should subside within a few weeks. Endoscopic sinus surgery patients are advised to avoid nose blowing as much as possible during the initial stages of recovery. In some cases, you may need to lightly blow your nose to relieve pressure. You should avoid lifting heavy objects, bending down, or performing any vigorous activities until permitted by our endoscopic sinus surgeon. Follow-up appointments are required to monitor your healing and recovery. Dr. Shin will discuss the specifics of your recovery with you during your endoscopic sinus surgery consultation.

Will Blockages Return After Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is designed to remove nasal blockages and clear the sinus pathways. While sinus surgery can treat the particular blockage that is affecting you, there is always a chance that new blockages may develop at a later point in time. Dr. Shin can recommend post-treatment options to help keep the sinus passageways clear and avoid future obstructions.

Will Nasal Polyps Grow Back After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Unfortunately, nasal polyps can and do often return after endoscopic sinus surgery. There is no way to know how quickly nasal polyps will return. In some cases, polyps can return after 3 years, while in other situations, nasal passages can remain clear for 10 years or longer. There are a number of options that may help delay the recurrence of nasal polyps, including post-surgical antibiotic irrigations, as well as topical steroids. Dr. Shin will discuss all of these treatment options with you and answer any questions that you may have during your endoscopic sinus surgery consultation at our NYC office.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery NYC | Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery

ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY OVERVIEW
REMOVES NASAL BLOCKAGES CAUSED BY NASAL POLYPS, TUMORS, OR OTHER GROWTHS
IMPROVES SINUS DRAINAGE BY CLEARING OBSTRUCTIONS & RELIEVING INFLAMMATION
CAN BE USED TO CORRECT NASAL DEFORMITIES, INCLUDING A DEVIATED SEPTUM OR ENLARGED TURBINATES
IMPROVES THE FLOW OF AIR THROUGH YOUR NOSE TO HELP YOU BREATHE BETTER
FLUSHES OUT CONGESTION FROM THE SINUS CAVITY & PASSAGEWAYS THAT CONTRIBUTES TO INFECTIONS
REAL-TIME IMAGING ALLOWS FOR GREATER PRECISION & EFFICIENCY DURING TREATMENT
LONG-TERM SOLUTION FOR THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC & SEVERE SINUSITIS
CAN RELIEVE CONGESTION, NASAL DISCHARGE, SINUS HEADACHES, FACIAL PRESSURE, SORE THROAT, & MORE
PATIENTS CAN TYPICALLY RESUME MOST DAILY ACTIVITIES WITHIN A FEW WEEKS

ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY OVERVIEW

REMOVES NASAL BLOCKAGES CAUSED BY NASAL POLYPS, TUMORS, OR OTHER GROWTHS

IMPROVES SINUS DRAINAGE BY CLEARING OBSTRUCTIONS & RELIEVING INFLAMMATION

CAN BE USED TO CORRECT NASAL DEFORMITIES, INCLUDING A DEVIATED SEPTUM OR ENLARGED TURBINATES

IMPROVES THE FLOW OF AIR THROUGH YOUR NOSE TO HELP YOU BREATHE BETTER

FLUSHES OUT CONGESTION FROM THE SINUS CAVITY & PASSAGEWAYS THAT CONTRIBUTES TO INFECTIONS

REAL-TIME IMAGING ALLOWS FOR GREATER PRECISION & EFFICIENCY DURING TREATMENT

LONG-TERM SOLUTION FOR THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC & SEVERE SINUSITIS

CAN RELIEVE CONGESTION, NASAL DISCHARGE, SINUS HEADACHES, FACIAL PRESSURE, SORE THROAT, & MORE

PATIENTS CAN TYPICALLY RESUME MOST DAILY ACTIVITIES WITHIN A FEW WEEKS

SYMPTOMS OF SINUS-RELATED DISORDERS
STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE
THICK NASAL DISCHARGE
HEAD PAIN OR PRESSURE
PERSISTENT COUGH
FEVER
SENSITIVITY AROUND THE FOREHEAD & MIDFACE
RASPY VOICE & SORE THROAT
EARACHES
POST-NASAL DRIP

SYMPTOMS OF SINUS-RELATED DISORDERS

STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE

THICK NASAL DISCHARGE

HEAD PAIN OR PRESSURE

PERSISTENT COUGH

FEVER

SENSITIVITY AROUND THE FOREHEAD & MIDFACE

RASPY VOICE & SORE THROAT

EARACHES

POST-NASAL DRIP

FRONTAL SINUSOTOMY
TREATS THE FRONTAL SINUSES (LOCATED IN THE FOREHEAD)
REMOVES OBSTRUCTIONS OF THE FRONTAL SINUSES
ALLOWS FOR PROPER SINUS DRAINAGE
CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

FRONTAL SINUSOTOMY

TREATS THE FRONTAL SINUSES (LOCATED IN THE FOREHEAD)

REMOVES OBSTRUCTIONS OF THE FRONTAL SINUSES

ALLOWS FOR PROPER SINUS DRAINAGE

CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

MAXILLARY ANTROSTOMY
TREATS THE MAXILLARY SINUSES (LOCATED ON THE SIDES OF THE NOSE)
CLEARS THE OPENING OF THE MAXILLARY SINUSES
HELPS THE SINUSES DRAIN PROPERLY
CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

MAXILLARY ANTROSTOMY

TREATS THE MAXILLARY SINUSES (LOCATED ON THE SIDES OF THE NOSE)

CLEARS THE OPENING OF THE MAXILLARY SINUSES

HELPS THE SINUSES DRAIN PROPERLY

CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

ETHMOIDECTOMY
TREATS THE ETHMOID SINUSES (LOCATED BEHIND THE EYES)
CORRECTS BLOCKAGES OF THE ETHMOID SINUSES
CREATES SPACE FOR THE SINUSES TO DRAIN
CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

ETHMOIDECTOMY

TREATS THE ETHMOID SINUSES (LOCATED BEHIND THE EYES)

CORRECTS BLOCKAGES OF THE ETHMOID SINUSES

CREATES SPACE FOR THE SINUSES TO DRAIN

CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

SPHENOIDECTOMY
TREATS THE SPHENOID SINUSES (LOCATED AT THE BACK OF THE NASAL CAVITY)
SURGICALLY OPENS THE SPHENOID SINUSES
OPENS DRAINAGE PORTS FOR THE SINUS CAVITY
CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

SPHENOIDECTOMY

TREATS THE SPHENOID SINUSES (LOCATED AT THE BACK OF THE NASAL CAVITY)

SURGICALLY OPENS THE SPHENOID SINUSES

OPENS DRAINAGE PORTS FOR THE SINUS CAVITY

CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS

NASAL POLYPECTOMY
REMOVES NASAL POLYPS (BENIGN GROWTHS IN THE NASAL CAVITY)
EXCISION OF POLYPS CAN CLEAR SINUS OBSTRUCTIONS
OFTEN INVOLVES OPENING THE SINUSES
CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS WHILE ALSO IMPROVING AIRFLOW

NASAL POLYPECTOMY

REMOVES NASAL POLYPS (BENIGN GROWTHS IN THE NASAL CAVITY)

EXCISION OF POLYPS CAN CLEAR SINUS OBSTRUCTIONS

OFTEN INVOLVES OPENING THE SINUSES

CAN TREAT SINUSITIS & REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS WHILE ALSO IMPROVING AIRFLOW

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. SHIN

Dr. Shin is an exceptional physician for quite a number of reasons. His bedside mannerism is excellent as he always listens attentively and patiently to my concerns, without ever being dismissive. Let me also note that he is compassionate, caring, and sensitive – always taking the time to try and diminish my fears. Ultimately, as a patient, I always feel listened to, and equally as important, I walk away feeling confident in his diagnosis and treatment plan.

- Anna H.

Considering the challenges in our current healthcare system, it’s very easy for doctors to see their patients merely as subjects to the disease or condition, hence taking away that human side that affects the patients’ wellness. However, Dr. Shin is different. He’s not only a brilliant doctor, he is very genuine and humble. He listens and provides the highest standards of care!

- Era M.

I have been a patient of Dr. Shin for 2 1/2 years and he literally saved my life. Dr. Shin diagnosed my very rare head/neck cancer and referred me to a top oncologist in the field. He continues to treat me post-cancer for residual issues and I give Dr. Shin my strongest recommendation. Dr. Shin also has a terrific bedside manner.

- Douglas S.

I have been dealing with sinus infections for more than a decade. In recent years sinus infections had gotten more frequent and were affecting my daily life more. I switched doctors and was referred to Dr. Shin for septoplasty. I breathe much better than I have in years. Dr. Shin is a humble doctor who truly cares and listens. I would recommend him to any person in need of an ENT, especially for surgery.

- Karina M.

I have been seeing Dr. Shin for over 2 years now, during which he and his team have patiently diagnosed and treated me. Dr. Shin also performed a sinus surgery that has completely improved my quality of life. I recommend Dr. Shin and his office to all of my friends and colleagues who experience sinus troubles.

- Tina Z.

When I was pre-diagnosed with lymphoma, I was referred to see Dr. Shin for a biopsy. Knowing the metastatic nature of the disease, the staff offered an immediate appointment so I can have my cells examined as soon as possible. The biopsy was conducted by Dr. Shin himself and it was quick and painless. Dr. Shin was very good because he was gentle and knowledgeable. In addition, I was well informed of the procedure before, during, and after.

- Sarah P.

Excellent doctor, highly recommended. After the hearing test was conducted the doctor provided consultation and diagnosed the causes of the hearing loss. The office provided an interpreter who helped to translate for the patient who doesn't speak English.

- Maria D.

Dr. Shin is an excellent physician who always takes the time to listen to his patients. He addresses their concerns with his knowledge, expertise, and sensitivity...a perfect blend of an expert in his field coupled with a wonderful bedside manner. I would highly recommend Dr. Shin.

- Anonymous

Dr. Shin was polite, knowledgeable, and an effective communicator. He referred me to specialists who were excellent. Sometimes the referral process can be drawn out, but Dr. Shin and his office did everything they could to move things along in a timely fashion.

- Anonymous

He explained the situation that I had and did not rush the check up. He asks if you have any questions and will answer your questions more in depth when prompted. Overall a very friendly and patient doctor. I would definitely recommend.

- Anonymous