Sinus Surgery (Clear Nasal Blockages)

· Those who want a safe sinus surgery procedure in Mexicali, Mexico.
· Those with ongoing and recurrent sinus infections.
· Those with abnormal sinus structure.
· Those with sinus infections that won’t go away with non-surgical treatments.
· Those who wish to improve their quality of life with clearer and easier breathing.

Sinus surgery is a procedure that can open pathways of the sinuses to clear blockages. It is a common method to treat those who have sinus infections after all other treatments do not work. Sinus surgery can be done with little discomfort and pain. It is a short procedure that has few complications, and can fix issues such as sinusitis and nasal polyps.

<Sinusitis>
Sinusitis is the swelling of nasal passages. You may have sinusitis, or sinus infection when you have these symptoms:
· Pressure around the nose, eyes, or forehead
· Stuffy nose with thick nasal drainage
· Headaches
· Block ears or changes in hearing

<Nasal Polyps>
Nasal polyps are the swellings of the nasal lining inside the nasal passages. They usually come with these symptoms, although some may experience no symptoms at all:
· Blocked nose that leads to difficulty breathing
· Reduced sense of smell or taste
· Recurrent sinus infections
· Headaches
· Snoring
· Sleep apnea

· Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
This surgery uses an endoscope. Micro-telescopes and surgical instruments will be passed down the endoscope and these tools will be used to remove obstructive tissues and other blockages. It does not cause scarring and can be carried out on an outpatient basis.

· Image-guided surgery
This may be suggested for those with severe sinus blockages or have had previous sinus surgeries before. It uses an endoscope and a 3-dimensional mapping system to show the position of surgical instruments. This is done through CT scans and infrared signals.

· Caldwell-Luc operation
This is a more invasive procedure to remove growths inside the nasal cavity and is aimed at improving sinus drainage. The procedure involves creating a pathway between the nose and the cavity beneath the eye which will aid drainage. Incision will be made in the upper jaw, above the molar teeth to get to the sinus cavity. This may be performed under local or general anesthesia.

The surgery works by removing the material that blocks the drainage pathways. Depending on your condition, the sinus surgery may include removing:
· Thin pieces of bone
· Mucous membranes
· Nasal polyps
· Swollen or damaged tissue
· Tumors or growths

1. Depending on your treatment, you will be placed under local or general anesthesia.
2. A small telescope will be inserted to get a detailed look of what’s happening as surgery is ongoing.
3. Blockages, tiny sections of bones or polyps will be removed from your sinus.
4. End of treatment. You may need to stay overnight at the hospital if it’s recommended by the doctor. Usually, you may go back home / to the hotel for recovery on the same day.

<Advantages>
· Clears blockages
· Improves breathing quality
· Short procedure, immediate results
· Alleviates headaches and pressure around the head
· Safe treatment

<Limitations>
· Possible discomfort after the procedure, which will subside within a few days

· Bleeding. If this is expected, the doctor will give guidance on how to manage or reduce it.
· Pain or nasal pressure for the first few days after the procedure
· Fatigue
· Nasal congestion and discharge for the first few weeks after surgery

· Tell the doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
· List all allergies, including to local or general anesthesia.
· Stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners for 1 to 2 weeks prior to procedure.

· Avoid nose blowing for at least 10 days after surgery
· Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery
· Stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners for 2 weeks

Q1: When can I resume work?
A1: This depends on your work and your overall health. Some may need 1 week off from work as fatigue after the procedure can happen, and some may just need 3 to 5 days. The doctor can estimate the best time needed for you to rest at home.

Q2: Are there any other side effects that I should be concerned about?
A2: If you are having high fever, sudden visual changes, severe headaches or any other sickness that causes concern, please contact the doctor immediately. However, this is not common.

Q3: Are there any medications I should take after the procedure?
A3: This may include saline rinses, steroids, and antibiotics.

Q4: How effective is endoscopic sinus surgery?
A4: It can be about 85 to 90 percent effective.

Q5: When can I resume contact sports after sinus surgery?
A5: Please wait until 4 weeks after surgery or when the doctor has cleared you to do so, since contact sports carry risks that can cause injury to the nose or bleeding.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (24 hrs)