Endoscopic sinus surgery: Best costs in Turkey 2024

Sinusitis: When and why operate?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the facial air cavities. It manifests as nasal congestion, facial pain, runny nose and loss of sense of smell. These symptoms can be acute or become chronic if the disease is not properly treated.

The causes are varied, ranging from infections to allergies to anatomical problems. When medical treatments aren't enough, surgery may be an option to improve sinus drainage and relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

It may be necessary if :

• Sinusitis recurs frequently.
• Infections are recurrent.
• Nasal polyps obstruct the airways.
• Anatomical abnormalities prevent proper sinus drainage.

The aim of surgery is to widen sinus openings, remove diseased tissue and restore normal ventilation. This reduces the frequency and severity of infections, improves quality of life and prevents complications.

Diagnosis of sinusitis in Turkey

Diagnosis of sinusitis in Turkey is based on a combination of factors. A thorough clinical examination, including questioning about symptoms and a physical examination, is essential. 

Additional examinations may be required, such as X-rays, a CT scan or nasal endoscopy, to visualize the sinuses and confirm the diagnosis. Biological tests, such as a blood test or nasal swab, may be carried out to identify any bacterial or viral infections. 

A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other pathologies that may present a similar clinical picture. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose sinusitis and prescribe the right treatment.

Risk Factors for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of several factors. The most common include

• Infections: Cold viruses are the most common cause of sinusitis.
• Allergies: Seasonal or perennial allergies irritate the nasal passages and promote inflammation.
• Anatomical abnormalities: A deviated septum or polyps can block the sinuses and hold back secretions.
• Environment: Pollution, smoke, and allergens attack the mucous membranes.
• The immune system: A weakened immune system increases susceptibility to infection.
• Physical factors: Pressure changes and excessive cooling can trigger sinusitis.

These factors can act alone or in combination, making each case of sinusitis unique.

An unhealthy lifestyle characterized by smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor hygiene weakens the immune system and worsens sinusitis symptoms. Dehydration, by thickening the mucus, hinders its natural drainage. Finally, untreated dental infections can spread to the sinuses, triggering or aggravating sinusitis.

Sinus surgery in Turkey

Sinus surgery, or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS),is generally considered when medical treatments (drugs, nasal washes) fail to bring significant improvement, or when complications arise. The aim is to widen sinus openings to facilitate drainage and reduce inflammation.

Before the operation

A pre-operative consultation is essential prior to surgery. The surgeon will assess your state of health, explain the operation in detail, its risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have. 

Additional examinations (X-rays, CT scan) may be carried out to refine the diagnosis. To best prepare for the operation, you will need to fast and follow your surgeon's instructions regarding medication.

The procedure

Sinus surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. During the operation, the surgeon performs an endoscopy of the sinuses, i.e. inserts an endoscope to visualize and access these cavities. Using miniature instruments, he enlarges sinus openings, removes diseased tissue and restores normal drainage.

The duration of the operation may vary according to the complexity of the case, but is generally between one and two hours.

After the operation

Most patients go home quickly after sinus surgery, often during the day.

You may experience some pain, mild nosebleeds and a feeling of a blocked nose. These discomforts are temporary and will be relieved by appropriate treatment.

To ensure a rapid and uncomplicated recovery, you should :

Scrupulously follow medical prescriptions.
Carry out recommended local treatments on a regular basis.
Get sufficient rest and avoid heavy physical exertion.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your ENT surgeon in Turkey.

Recovery and complications

The time required for full recovery varies, from several weeks to several months. During this period, you should avoid strenuous physical activity and efforts that increase pressure in the nose (such as nose-blowing).

Post-operative complications, although uncommon, can include bleeding, superinfections, olfactory or gustatory dysfunction, mucosal lesions and recurrence of sinus pathology.