Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to endoscopic sinus surgery.

Q: How do I know if I'm a candidate for endoscopic sinus surgery?

A: If you have chronic sinusitis or frequent attacks of acute sinusitis that have not improved after trying various medications over time, you may be a candidate for endoscopic sinus surgery. Any sinus surgery is considered a last resort, as less expensive and less traumatic treatments are always preferable. However, only a doctor can advise you the best course of treatment after a thorough review of your symptoms and a complete examination.

Q: Can any doctor perform endoscopic sinus surgery?

A: No, only a doctor specializing in sinus disorders, such as an otolaryngologist, can perform sinus surgeries. Since endoscopic sinus surgery is a fairly new and very delicate procedure, it is important to choose a doctor with considerable experience. You might also wish to get the opinion of a second doctor before consenting to any type of sinus surgery.

Q: Can endoscopic sinus surgery be performed on children?

A: Endoscopic sinus surgery is a difficult procedure to perform on children because their sinuses are small and not fully developed. When the sinuses have fully developed, sinusitis symptoms sometimes stop on their own. Therefore, unless there is a nasal obstruction such as a polyp, most doctors will prefer to treat a child with medication.

Q: I had traditional sinus surgery a few years ago, but I still have sinusitis symptoms. Can I have endoscopic sinus surgery?

A: Yes. If your doctor recommends it, it is safe for you to have endoscopic sinus surgery even if you've had a different type of sinus surgery in the past.

Q: My sense of taste is not as good as it used to be. Does this mean I need endoscopic sinus surgery?

A: Probably not. A reduced sense of taste has many potential causes, most of which are not sinusitis. However, if you have chronic sinusitis accompanied by an impaired sense of smell, your taste problem may be caused by sinusitis and may improved by endoscopic sinus surgery. It is important to be evaluated by a doctor to determine the true cause of the reduced sense of taste.