What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESC) and What Does It Do?

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed by viewing the internal structure of the sinuses. This procedure allows the removal of blockages and infections in the sinuses through a thin endoscope inserted through the nose. The endoscope is a lighted tube that allows the surgeon to clearly see the sinus cavities and open the blockage to reach healthy tissue. Endoscopic sinus surgery is generally used to treat inflammation, polyps, infections, and other structural disorders in the sinuses. Since this method is performed without any incisions outside the nose, the recovery period is faster and patients leave the process with less pain and bruising. ESC allows the sinuses to regain their function and helps prevent recurrent sinus infections.

Why is Surgery Needed in the Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis and Sinus Congestion?

Chronic sinusitis and sinus congestion occur as a result of long-term inflammation of the sinuses and usually cannot be relieved with medication. The sinuses are air-filled spaces connected to the nasal cavity, and when they become congested, mucus accumulates in the sinuses, leading to infections. Chronic sinusitis means that the sinuses have been inflamed for a long time, leading to recurring infections. If these congestions cannot be relieved with conservative methods such as medication, antibiotics, or nasal sprays, surgical intervention is necessary. Endoscopic sinus surgery cleans the inflamed or congested tissues in the sinuses, restoring normal sinus flow. In this way, the sinuses are allowed to function healthily again. Surgery can improve the quality of life of patients, as chronic sinusitis and congestion cause headaches, facial pain, nasal congestion, and breathing difficulties in general.

What are the differences between endoscopic sinus surgery and classical sinus surgery?

The main difference between endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and classic sinus surgery is related to the method used and the invasiveness of the surgery. In endoscopic sinus surgery, a small endoscope is inserted into the nose and the sinus cavities are accessed through the nostrils. In this method, the surgeon does not make a large incision on the outside, which allows for faster healing and no scarring. In addition, since detailed visualization of the sinuses is possible during endoscopic surgery, the surgeon can intervene more precisely.

Classic sinus surgery requires larger incisions and is usually performed through large incisions on the outside of the face. This method requires a more invasive approach to reach the sinus cavities and the recovery process can be longer. During classic sinus surgery, the entrance is made directly from the face, not through the nose, which means tissue damage and a longer recovery time. Endoscopic sinus surgery, on the other hand, generally carries less risk of complications and patients recover faster. Therefore, the endoscopic method is a more commonly preferred treatment method today.

In Which Diseases Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) Applied?

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESC) is used in the treatment of structural disorders, infections, polyps and blockages in the sinuses. Especially in chronic sinusitis cases that do not respond to treatment, ESC is preferred when polyps or blockages occur in the nasal passages. This surgery is very effective in eliminating conditions such as excess mucus accumulation in the nose, inflammation or the formation of polyps in the sinuses. In addition, eliminating blockages in the sinuses can relieve symptoms such as headaches, facial pain, nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. By improving the small tissues in the nose, ESC reopens the airways of patients, relieves their breathing and improves their quality of life. Endoscopic sinus surgery can also yield successful results in the treatment of diseases such as adenoid hyperplasia, cystic formations in the sinuses and nasal polyps. As a result, endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective, safe and fast method for surgically solving sinus problems.

Who Can Undergo Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a method generally used to treat blockage, infection or structural disorders in the sinuses. This surgery is performed to restore airflow by opening the connections between the nose and sinuses. Endoscopic sinus surgery is especially suitable for patients who do not respond to drug treatments. This method is preferred in people with problems such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or sinus obstruction. In addition, individuals with structural disorders or polyps in their sinuses may prefer this surgical intervention. Suitable candidates for surgery are patients with good general health and whose quality of life has decreased due to sinus obstruction. Endoscopic sinus surgery is generally recommended if the problem cannot be solved with conservative treatment methods, medications or treatments such as nasal sprays. Since this surgery is less invasive, the recovery period is fast and the risk of complications is lower.

How is ESC Applied in Diseases Such as Chronic Sinusitis, Nasal Polyps and Sinus Congestion?

Diseases such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps and sinus congestion usually occur as a result of blockage or inflammation of the sinus passages in the nose. These conditions usually lead to symptoms such as headaches, facial pain, nasal congestion, a feeling of pressure in the facial area and constant mucus production. Endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the most effective methods to solve such problems. In this surgical procedure performed using an endoscope, blockages, polyps or infected tissues in the nose are removed. The sinus passages are reopened and air flow is provided, improving the function of the sinuses. In patients with chronic sinusitis, the inflamed tissues can be cleaned and the recurrence of this condition can be prevented. In people with nasal polyps, the polyps are surgically removed and the air flow in the nose is restored. In the case of sinus congestion, the blockage in the nasal passages is eliminated by opening the sinuses and the patient can breathe more comfortably. Since this procedure is usually a minimally invasive method, patients can recover in a short time.

Is Surgical Treatment Necessary for Sinus Infections, Allergic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyps?

Sinus infections, allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps usually occur due to inflammation and blockages in the nose and sinuses. Sinus infections can usually be controlled with antibiotic treatment. However, surgical intervention may be required in cases of unresponsive or recurrent infections. Endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective method to treat such conditions. Allergic rhinitis can increase inflammation in the nose and lead to sinus blockages. If allergic rhinitis does not respond to treatment and nasal polyps form, surgical intervention may be required. Nasal polyps block the sinus passages in the nose, making it difficult to breathe. In this case, surgical removal of the polyps ensures that the sinuses function healthily. Surgical treatment of allergic rhinitis is usually performed in addition to medical treatment, but surgical intervention is often necessary to remove the polyps and open the sinus passages. In all three cases, surgical treatment can improve the quality of life of patients and provide easier breathing.

What Equipment and Devices Are Used During Surgery?

During endoscopic sinus surgery, various equipment and devices are used that allow the surgeon to see the sinuses clearly. Basically, an endoscope is inserted. An endoscope is a thin, lighted tube with a camera at its end. This device helps to see the inside of the nose and sinus cavities clearly. The endoscope allows the surgeon to precisely detect blockages, infections or polyps in the sinuses. In addition, areas inside the nose can be directly intervened through the endoscope. Microsurgical instruments are used to open blockages in the sinuses. These instruments are necessary to remove excess tissue in the sinuses and open the sinus passages. Lasers can also be used to remove nasal polyps or blocked tissues. These devices allow the surgeon to treat the sinuses safely and precisely. In addition, mucus and blood accumulations in the nose are cleaned using various vacuum devices and aspirators during the operation. Thanks to this equipment, endoscopic sinus surgery is performed more precisely and effectively, the healing process is accelerated and the risk of complications is reduced.

How to Open and Clean the Sinuses with Endoscopic Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blockages and infections in the sinuses. In this surgical procedure, the sinuses are viewed through a thin endoscope inserted through the nose. The endoscope allows the surgeon to see the inside of the sinuses clearly. The sinuses can often be blocked by obstructions such as mucus, inflammation, or polyps. During endoscopic surgery, blockages or infected tissues are carefully removed. The sinuses are opened by the surgeon accessing the sinus cavities through the endoscope. In this procedure, the sinus cavities are cleaned using microsurgical instruments, and polyps and inflamed tissues are removed. In addition, the sinus pathways inside the nose are opened, thus ensuring a smooth airflow between the nose and sinuses. Since endoscopic sinus surgery is performed without large incisions, the recovery process is faster and the risk of complications is lower. This method allows the sinuses to function healthily again, relieving headaches, facial pain, and nasal congestion.

What to Do Before Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Before endoscopic sinus surgery, patients may need to make some preparations. As a first step, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s general health status. Any previous illnesses, allergies, or medications are reviewed. In addition, nasal and sinus CT scans or other imaging tests may be performed to obtain more information about the condition of the sinuses. These tests allow the surgeon to clearly see blockages, polyps, or structural abnormalities in the sinuses. Before surgery, medications recommended by the doctor should be used and substances that may negatively affect the healing process, such as smoking and alcohol, should be avoided. In addition, before determining the type of anesthesia, patients are questioned about any history of allergic reactions or sensitivity to anesthesia. Patients receiving clear instructions from their doctors regarding nutrition and medication use before surgery ensures that the surgery goes smoothly.

What Should the Patient Pay Attention to Before Surgery?

Before the surgery, patients need to pay attention to some important points for the surgery to be successful and for the healing process to be faster. First of all, it is recommended that patients who smoke quit smoking at least 1-2 weeks before the surgery, because smoking negatively affects the healing process. In addition, alcohol consumption should be avoided, because alcohol has a blood-thinning effect and can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery. If the patient is taking any medications, the doctor should check whether these medications are suitable for surgery. Blood-thinning medications and some painkillers should not be used before the surgery. On the day of the surgery, patients can usually eat a light meal, but it may be necessary to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 8-10 hours before the surgery. In addition, it is important for patients to complete all necessary tests and examinations in line with the preparations and procedures recommended by the doctor in order to be prepared for the surgery.

How is the Type of Anesthesia (Local or General Anesthesia) Determined?

The type of anesthesia for endoscopic sinus surgery is determined by the patient’s health, the complexity of the surgery, and the surgeon’s preference. Generally, endoscopic sinus surgery can be performed under local anesthesia because it is minimally invasive and does not require the patient to be conscious during the procedure. Local anesthesia only numbs the surgical area and the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. However, in some cases, when the patient needs a more comfortable experience or the surgery to last longer, general anesthesia may be preferred. General anesthesia puts the patient completely asleep and does not feel any pain during the procedure. The type of anesthesia is determined by whether the patient has any allergies or sensitivities to anesthesia and the complexity of the surgery. After reviewing the patient’s medical history, the surgeon selects the most appropriate anesthesia method and informs the patient about it.

In Which Cases Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Considered Necessary?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is preferred in cases where the quality of life is negatively affected due to blockage, inflammation or structural disorders in the sinuses. It usually manifests itself with complaints such as headaches, facial pain, nasal congestion, constant mucus accumulation and infections due to sinus congestion. If sinusitis is resistant to treatment, that is, if it cannot be cured with conservative treatment methods such as medications and nasal sprays, endoscopic sinus surgery may be required. This surgery is especially effective in correcting chronic sinusitis, polyps or structural disorders in the sinus canals. Opening the blockages in the sinuses and cleaning the inflamed tissues allows the sinuses to regain their normal function. In addition, surgical removal of nasal polyps or infected tissues in the sinuses allows patients to breathe healthily again. In cases where sinus congestion becomes persistent or other treatment methods fail, endoscopic surgery offers a solution.

Is Surgery Necessary If Sinusitis Cannot Be Treated With Medication?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nose and sinuses and can often be successfully treated with medication. However, for some patients, sinusitis can become resistant to treatment. In the case of chronic sinusitis, there can be long-term inflammation and mucus accumulation in the sinuses. If sinusitis does not improve despite medication or if it recurs repeatedly, surgical intervention may be necessary. Endoscopic sinus surgery is a highly effective method for opening the sinuses and removing blockages. If sinusitis cannot be controlled with medication, antibiotics or nasal sprays, surgery may be necessary. In cases where sinusitis treatment fails, surgery can improve the quality of life of patients and ensure that the sinuses function healthily. Endoscopic surgery is a preferred modern method for the treatment of sinusitis because it is minimally invasive, has a short recovery time and allows patients to return to their daily lives quickly.

Is Nose Bleeding and Discharge Normal After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Symptoms such as nosebleeds and discharge after endoscopic sinus surgery are usually normal and part of the healing process. Immediately after surgery, there may be slight bleeding as the sinuses are cleaned and opened. This is usually temporary and stops within a few hours. Bleeding decreases as the tissues in the nose heal and is usually not a serious problem. Discharge may be caused by mucus and fluid accumulations that form during the healing process of the sinuses after surgery. This discharge may continue for a few days and usually requires gentle nasal cleaning to clear it. There may also be swelling and inflammation around the nose after surgery. These symptoms also pass over time and usually improve within a week. If nosebleeds or discharge persist for a long time or become severe, this may be a sign of complications and a doctor should be contacted. However, for most patients, nosebleeds and discharge are normal side effects of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Turkey Cost 2025

Prices may increase or decrease depending on the equipment used, the hospital or clinic setting, and the surgeon’s level of expertise. Additionally, follow-up appointments and additional services after surgery may also affect the total cost. To get more accurate information about the price, the surgeon’s recommended treatment plan and price quote should be obtained during the consultation. Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually not covered by insurance, so it is important for patients to learn about the treatment process and costs in advance.