Breathe well again and avoid infections with sinus surgery
With over a decade of experience in the field, Dr. Mourad has helped countless patients find relief from sinus-related conditions, including sinusitis, nasal congestion, headaches, and more. As a leading expert in his field, Dr. Mourad utilizes the latest techniques and technology to deliver effective, personalized care to each of his patients. Whether you’re looking to alleviate chronic sinus pain or improve your breathing, Dr. Mourad is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
Book an appointment to determine if you need sinus surgery in NYC
What is sinus surgery?
The spaces inside of your nose have tiny openings and channels that connect to each other and to both sides of the nose. Sinus surgery widens the channels and removes most of the walls of these spaces which prevents your sinuses from obstructing and allows them to drain more freely. Having more open spaces prevents the pressure from building up in your nose and decreases the frequency and severity of your sinus infections. Sinus surgery also allows saline rinses and topical medications to better access the open areas inside of your sinuses.
What are the different types of sinus surgery?
The main ways to open your sinuses are Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and Balloon Sinuplasty. In revision surgery or if the sinuses next to your eyes or brain are involved then you may also need Image Guidance.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
This is the most common type of sinus surgery. It is performed using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. The endoscope is inserted through the nose and allows the surgeon to see inside the sinuses. The surgeon can then remove blockages, such as nasal polyps or bone spurs, and widen the openings of the sinuses to improve drainage and reduce inflammation. FESS is usually done under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.
Image-guided surgery (IGS)
This is a 3-dimensional visualization system that uses your CAT scan to track instruments inside of your nose and sinuses. The guidance provides an additional tool to locate where you are inside of the nasal cavity. It can be used with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery or some types of Balloon Sinuplasty. It is most appropriately used for revision surgeries or with the frontal, lateral ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses which are adjacent to the brain, eyes and major head nerves and vessels.
Balloon Sinuplasty
This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passages. A wire guide is placed into the larger sinuses and a balloon is advanced into the sinus opening. The balloon is expanded with water and the sinus opening is enlarged. This can be used in 3 of the 4 sinuses but does not remove infected sinus tissue. Balloon sinuplasty is not appropriate for patients with nasal polyps or ethmoid sinus disease.
Open sinus surgery
This is less common and usually used when more extensive work is needed. This type of surgery is done through small incisions in the skin, usually on the upper lip or inside the nostrils, and the surgeon will be able to access the sinuses directly.
Transoral endoscopic surgery
This is a new and developing technique for sinus surgery, which is performed through the mouth. The surgeon uses an endoscope to access the sinuses and remove any blockages or tissue causing the infection. This approach avoids any external incisions and is less invasive.
Discuss risks associated with each sinus surgery option with Dr. Mourad
It’s important to note that these different types of sinus surgery have different indications and risks, and the choice of which one to use will depend on the individual case. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of the surgery, and help you decide if it is the right option for you.
When is sinus surgery required?
Acute sinusitis is when you have a sinus infection that lasts less than one month. Chronic sinusitis is when you are having a constant sinus infection that doesn’t go away with antibiotics and steroids. Either of these can significantly decrease your quality of life.
Having multiple episodes of acute sinusitis per year or having chronic sinusitis that has failed medical treatment are both good reasons to consider sinus surgery. Decreased quality of life would include missing school or work, suffering frequently or through long periods with sinusitis symptoms, depression or constant fatigue. People suffering from the following conditions should consider meeting with Dr. Mourad about sinus surgery:
Recurring infections
Some individuals may have recurring sinus infections despite medical treatment. In these cases, surgery may be recommended to improve the overall health of the sinuses and reduce the likelihood of future infections.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as headache, facial pain, nasal congestion, and decreased sense of smell. In some cases, chronic sinusitis may not respond to conservative treatments, such as medications and nasal irrigation, and may require surgery to clear the sinus passages and improve sinus function.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are small growths that can develop in the nasal passages, blocking the sinus openings and causing sinusitis. Sinus surgery can be performed to remove the polyps and improve sinus function.
Structural problems
Structural problems, such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, can block the sinus passages and contribute to sinusitis. Sinus surgery can be performed to correct these problems and improve sinus function.
It is important to note that a sinus surgery may not be required in all cases of sinus-related problems, and that the decision to proceed with surgery should be made in consultation with an otolaryngologist, such as Dr. Moustafa Mourad, who specializes in sinus surgery.
Get sinus surgery in NYC
What is a sinus infection (Sinusitis)?
Inside your nose, there is a series of connected spaces that drain mucus into the nasal cavity. When these spaces swell they can become blocked and infected. Causes of a sinus infection include; the common cold, allergic rhinitis, or a deviated septum. Symptoms may include, facial pain and pressure, headaches, green or yellow nasal discharge, severe nasal congestion, and fatigue. Sinusitis will usually go away within a few days with rest, hydration and Vitamin C. However, when your symptoms last more than one week or suddenly worsen, chances are you have a bacterial sinus infection and it is time to see your doctor for antibiotics.
How do I treat my sinus infection?
For the first few days you can hydrate, get plenty of rest, avoid caffeine and alcohol, rinse your nose with saline (Neti pot), and take Vitamin C. If your symptoms continue for greater than one week or suddenly your headaches worsen or your nasal discharge becomes thicker and more discolored, you most likely have a bacterial sinus infection requiring antibiotics. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic that targets the most likely causes of your sinusitis. Your physician may also prescribe a topical or oral steroid to help speed the decrease of inflammation inside your sinuses. An otolaryngologist has the highest amount of training inside the nose and has endoscopes to actually look inside your nose at the sinuses.
How can I prepare for sinus surgery?
You will meet with Dr. Mourad where he usually spends an hour going over everything related to your surgery. He will evaluate and make sure that he can specifically tailor a custom care plan to your exact needs. During the consultation, Dr. Mourad will determine the exact nature of your complaints and the exact causes. He may prescribe medications that will assist in your complaints. Once a tailored plan is made, Dr. Mourad and his staff will take you through all the necessary information needed to make sure that your surgery happens without issue. We take care of the details so that you can have the most enjoyable experience.
Dr. Mourad views treating his patients to be nothing short of a privilege and an honor and enjoys taking the time to get to know his patients and fully understand their issues. Dr. Mourad’s office provides a boutique experience that takes you out of the mindset of being at the doctor’s office. It is a warm, comfortable environment, providing a bespoke experience.
Depending on your work, Dr. Mourad typically recommends taking a minimum of 3 days off before returning to work. He also discourages his patients from any heavy lifting. If you wear glasses, you may require some alterations if applicable. Dr. Mourad will provide you with pain medications, ointments, nasal sprays, all to help maximize your results. Dr. Mourad will then see you in visitations two weeks later, and then one month after that. Dr. Mourad enjoys the continued visitation of his patients and will see them in follow up for many years thereafter.
Will insurance pay for my sinus surgery in the United States?
Almost all insurances in the United States will consider sinus and breathing disorders as functional surgery that is covered by insurance. Our office will check your benefits and let you know what they are before you come into the office so there are no surprises. We will submit your paperwork and obtain approvals for your procedure. Dr. Moustafa Mourad has highly trained in sinus surgery as well as rhinoplasty, broken noses and valve repair. If you have sinus problems please feel free to give us a call so we can help.
How can Dr. Mourad help you?
When you contact our office, our friendly staff will ask for your basic information and set up an appointment time that is convenient for you. If there is an insurance component to your visit we will check your benefits and let you know what they are. We have a no surprise billing policy and will let you know your responsibility. Dr. Mourad has extensive eyelid and facial surgery experience to address your aesthetic needs. If you feel that you would like an evaluation of your eyes or other facial features please feel free to contact our office.