If you are dealing with ongoing nasal congestion, facial pressure, headaches, or recurring sinus infections, you are not alone. These symptoms are often linked to problems within the sinuses and can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall comfort. In some cases, they are caused by sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus cavities that may become chronic if it is not effectively treated. In other cases, similar symptoms may be related to allergies or structural issues within the nose and sinuses.

While medications and other non-surgical treatments are usually the first line of care, they do not always provide lasting relief. When symptoms persist or continue to return despite appropriate treatment, sinus surgery may be recommended. The goal of sinus surgery is to improve airflow and drainage within the nasal passages and sinuses, helping to reduce symptoms and improve long-term quality of life.

Sinus symptoms can be short-term or long-lasting. While many people experience temporary congestion or sinus pressure that improves with basic treatment, symptoms that continue for weeks or keep returning may point to a more persistent problem.

One common cause is chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis. This condition involves ongoing inflammation of the sinus cavities that lasts 12 weeks or longer, even with treatment. When the sinus lining remains swollen, normal mucus drainage is disrupted, leading to repeated infections, persistent nasal blockage, and breathing difficulties.

Sinus surgery is usually considered when sinus symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatment. Your ENT specialist may discuss surgery with you if you experience:

• Recurrent sinus infections that persist despite conservative care
• Ongoing nasal obstruction caused by nasal polyps or structural abnormalities
• Facial pain or pressure that does not improve with treatment
• Breathing difficulties related to a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates
• Sinus-related complications, such as cysts or abscess formation

The goal of sinus surgery is to improve airflow and restore normal sinus drainage. The type of procedure recommended will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms, the severity of sinus disease, and your nasal and sinus anatomy.

There are several surgical techniques used to treat sinus problems. Each approach is designed for the patient’s condition and nasal anatomy.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, commonly known as FESS, is the most widely performed procedure for chronic sinusitis and related conditions. During the procedure, a thin endoscope with a light and camera is inserted through the nostrils, providing a real-time view of the sinus openings. This allows the surgeon to identify blockages and guide instruments accurately during the operation.

Using specialised tools passed through the nose, the natural openings of the sinuses are carefully widened and inflamed tissue, mucus buildup, or nasal polyps are removed. This helps restore normal airflow and drainage, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of recurrent infections.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that widens blocked sinus openings without removing tissue. A small balloon catheter is guided into the affected sinus opening and gently inflated to enlarge the passageway, allowing mucus to drain more effectively. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the sinus pathway open.

This procedure is typically recommended for people with chronic or recurrent sinusitis who do not have severe inflammation or major structural blockages. It may be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on individual circumstances.

A deviated septum occurs when the wall separating the two sides of the nose is shifted to one side, which can restrict airflow and interfere with sinus drainage. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that straightens the septum by reshaping or removing portions of cartilage and bone.

Septoplasty may be performed on its own or combined with other sinus procedures, such as FESS or turbinate reduction, to improve access and outcomes. Many patients experience improved nasal breathing and fewer sinus-related symptoms after surgery.

Turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm, filter, and humidify the air you breathe. When they become enlarged due to allergies or chronic inflammation, they can contribute to nasal blockage and breathing difficulty.

Turbinate reduction surgery decreases the size of the turbinates while preserving their normal function. Several techniques may be used, including radiofrequency treatment or tissue reduction, depending on the cause and severity of the enlargement.

A polypectomy is a procedure used to remove nasal or sinus polyps. These noncancerous growths can block airflow and prevent normal sinus drainage, often leading to chronic congestion and recurrent infections.

Polypectomy is commonly performed as part of functional endoscopic sinus surgery but may also be done as a standalone procedure in selected cases. Removing polyps helps restore airflow, improve sinus drainage, and reduce related symptoms.

Sinus surgery can offer relief for people whose sinusitis symptoms persist despite medical treatment. Each type of surgery serves a specific purpose, and the decision should be made after thorough evaluation and discussion with a qualified specialist.

At ENT Centre CC Lau, Dr Lau Chee Chong treats both adults and children. His practice covers all areas of diagnostic, surgical and medical ENT, head and neck practice. Every patient receives an individualised plan designed with precision, compassion, and continuity in mind.

If you have any ongoing sinus issues or have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, schedule a consultation with us today.