Columbus, Ohio ENT For Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Sinus problems can be an ongoing issue for those who live in Ohio and other Midwest areas. It is not uncommon for a person to have bouts of congestion, or even pain, multiple times a year. Recurring or chronic sinus issues can be signs of a larger problem. In such instances, endoscopic sinus surgery may be necessary. Dr. Boris Karanfilov is a Columbus ENT specialist who provides the highest level of care to every one of his patients. Our Columbus clinic is devoted to providing the highest level of care to every patient we serve. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an appointment.
Columbus Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialist assisting those with persistent sinus issues
There are a number of issues that can lead to people suffering from nasal congestion, pain, or difficulty breathing. These issues can include sinusitis (another term for chronic sinus infections), nasal obstruction, or nasal tumors. It may be possible to treat such issues with antibiotics or other methods. If such treatments prove ineffective then surgery may be necessary. Endoscopic surgery, otherwise known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), is a minimally invasive procedure that can solve such problems.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed by inserting a thin rigid tube (known as an “Endoscope”) into the nostril. This tube contains a camera and a light and it allows the surgeon to view a patient’s nasal and sinus anatomy. The surgeon may then insert other instruments, alongside the endoscope, to remove any sources of blockage. Also, if the issues are caused by a deviated septum, then additional tools can be used to improve the airway. Problems which can be rectified through this type of surgery include, but are not limited to:
- Recurring sinus infections
- Sinusitis
- Airflow blockage and breathing problems
- A poor sense of smell
- Sinus pain and pressure
This procedure is minimally invasive as the surgery is done through the nose and does not involve facial incisions.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed by inserting a thin rigid tube (known as an “Endoscope”) into the nostril. This tube contains a camera and a light and it allows the surgeon to view a patient’s nasal and sinus anatomy. The surgeon may then insert other instruments, alongside the endoscope, to remove any sources of blockage. Also, if the issues are caused by a deviated septum, then additional tools can be used to improve the airway. Problems which can be rectified through this type of surgery include, but are not limited to:
- Recurring sinus infections
- Sinusitis
- Airflow blockage and breathing problems
- A poor sense of smell
- Sinus pain and pressure
This procedure is minimally invasive as the surgery is done through the nose and does not involve facial incisions.
Dr. Boris Karanfilov is a Columbus ear, nose, and throat specialist who assists those suffering from sinus problems. He will use your initial appointment to gain an understanding of your symptoms. This is accomplished through an office visit, nasal endoscopy and possible CT scan in our office. Dr. Karanfilov will personally discuss all of your options with you. If surgery is necessary, we will check with your insurance company to obtain precertification and schedule the procedure at your convenience. Dr. Karanfilov will perform the procedure personally and will make sure you know what to expect. Our Columbus clinic is devoted to providing the highest level of care to every patient we serve.
Columbus sinus surgeon providing his patients with personal attention
Dr. Karanfilov understands that going through any type of medical situation can be highly stressful. This is why he provides a level of personal attention generally not available with larger practices that rely on multiple physician extenders. Dr. Karanfilov will take the time to explain what you should expect from the process and he will make sure that your questions are answered. Our office is equipped with all of the technologies to provide comprehensive care including office-based surgeries.
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To make an appointment, please contact us by telephone or by clicking the button below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is our experience with performing endoscopic sinus surgery?
Dr. Karanfilov’s training during his fellowship allowed him to learn advanced FESS techniques from his mentor, Dr. Kuhn, an internationally recognized rhinologist and expert on complicated frontal sinus anatomy. The great majority of FESS performed at Ohio Sinus Institute are revision procedures, and Dr. Karanfilov has performed thousands of surgeries and more revision-complicated FESS than any surgeon in Central Ohio.
What are the reasons for endoscopic sinus surgery?
The most common reason for performing endoscopic sinus surgery is “chronic rhinosinusitis”, or more commonly “chronic sinusitis”. Chronic rhinosinusitis is a general term for inflammation (swelling) of the nose and sinuses that does not improve sufficiently with medical treatment. Less common reasons to have sinus surgery may include recurrent infections, sinus infections that spread to the eye, face, or brain, nasal polyps, tumors of the nasal and sinus cavities, leaking brain fluid into the nose, and tear duct blockage.
Does endoscopic sinus surgery require anesthesia?
Endoscopic sinus surgery may be done under local or general anesthesia. The majority of sinus surgery is done under general anesthesia at outpatient centers.
Will nasal packing be necessary and what is the recovery period?
Nasal packing is not frequently used, however, ethmoid stents coated in antibiotics and steroids are frequently used. The recovery period will vary depending on the surgery performed and the individual patient but most patients require 1 to 2 weeks off work.
What are the potential complications of endoscopic sinus surgery?
Complications of sinus surgery are rare but include bleeding, damage to the eye or vision, anesthesia complications, and intracranial complications (brain injury, brain fluid leak, infection of the brain). Failure to treat chronic rhinosinusitis itself may lead to severe problems, such as infection of the eye or brain. We utilize Icomputer-guided technology to minimize the risks and improve outcomes.