ENT South West Logotype
Nasal & Sinus Surgery (Rhinology)
Rhinology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nose and sinuses
You are here:

Patients with nose and sinus problems may present with many different types of symptoms. Some of these include:

  • Blocked nose (nasal obstruction)
  • Runny nose (nasal discharge or postnasal drip)
  • Facial pain
  • Headaches
  • Reduction/loss of sense of smell (hyposmia/anosmia)
  • Snoring
  • Nose bleeds (epistaxis)
  • Broken / misshapen nose
  • Watery eyes (epiphora)
  • Tiredness/lethargy

What is nasal and sinus surgery (Rhinology)?

Rhinology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nose and sinuses. Nasal and sinus surgery, also known as rhinologic surgery, is any surgical procedure performed on the nose or sinuses. Rhinologic procedures can be performed to improve breathing, smell, and other nasal and sinus-related functions.

Common Conditions and Problems

Some of the most common conditions and problems that may require rhinologic surgery include:

How is Rhinology Performed?

Rhinologic surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the type of surgery being performed and the patient's medical history.

During rhinologic surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the nose or inside the mouth. The surgeon will then access the nasal cavity and sinuses and perform the necessary procedure. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches or staples.

Why Do People Need Rhinology?

People may need rhinologic surgery for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Improve breathing: Rhinologic surgery can be performed to improve breathing in people with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.
  • Improve smell: Rhinologic surgery can be performed to improve smell in people with chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps.
  • Remove tumors: Rhinologic surgery can be performed to remove tumors of the nose and sinuses.

Who is Suitable for Rhinology?

Rhinologic surgery is generally safe and effective for most people. However, there are some risks associated with all surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications.

Rhinologic surgery is typically recommended for people who have severe or debilitating nasal and sinus problems that cannot be treated with other methods. For example, rhinologic surgery may be recommended for people with chronic sinusitis that does not respond to antibiotics, or for people with a deviated septum that causes severe breathing problems.

Benefits of Rhinology

Rhinologic surgery can provide a number of benefits, including:

  • Improved breathing
  • Improved smell
  • Reduced pain and discomfort
  • Resolution of infection
  • Cure of cancer

How Will Treatment Help Alongside Lifestyle Changes

Rhinologic surgery can help to improve breathing and smell, and to reduce pain and discomfort. It can also resolve infection and cure cancer. In addition, rhinologic surgery can help to improve the overall quality of life for people with severe nasal and sinus problems.

The Procedure

Rhinologic surgery procedures can vary depending on the specific surgery being performed. However, most rhinologic surgery procedures involve the following steps:

  1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.
  2. The surgeon makes an incision in the nose or inside the mouth.
  3. The surgeon accesses the nasal cavity and sinuses and performs the necessary procedure.
  4. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon closes the incision with stitches or staples.

What Happens in Rhinology Surgery

The specific steps involved in rhinologic surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery being performed. However, some common steps include:

  • Removing diseased or inflamed tissue: The surgeon may remove diseased or inflamed tissue from the sinuses or nasal passages.
  • Repairing a deviated septum: The surgeon may repair a deviated septum by straightening the nasal bone and cartilage.
  • Removing tumors: The surgeon may remove tumors of the nose and sinuses.

Pre-Surgery

Before rhinologic surgery, patients will need to meet with Mr Khatwa to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery and to prepare for the procedure. This may involve getting blood tests, having an EKG, and meeting with an anesthesiologist.

Patients may also need to stop taking certain medications before surgery. For example, patients may need to stop taking aspirin and other blood thinners.

Post-Surgery

After rhinologic surgery, patients will need to follow Mr Khatwa's instructions carefully. This may include taking pain medication, avoiding strenuous activity, and keeping the nose clean and moist.

Patients will also need to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a full and successful recovery.

If you are considering rhinologic surgery, be sure to book an appointment with Mr Khatwa to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery and whether it is right for you. Mr Khatwa can also help you to prepare for surgery and to understand what to expect after surgery.
South West ENT Consultations with Mr Khatwa, Consultant Surgeon in Exeter, Plymouth & Devon

Get in touch today for fast, effective diagnosis and treatment with ENT Consultant Mr Khatwa

Call Jodie for Exeter Nuffield on 01392 262160Call Sam for Plymouth Nuffield on 01752 761846Get in touch online
Top crossmenu