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Houston Sinus Surgery is dedicated to helping our patients breathe deeply and live fully – free from sinusitis symptoms and nasal obstruction. If you have undergone an unsuccessful sinus surgery and want to learn more about RESS or your alternative treatment options, schedule an appointment today. Houston-based ENT doctor and top revision sinus surgeon, Cecil Yeung, M.D., has more than 20 years of experience in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of chronic sinusitis for long-lasting relief. Dr. Yeung is known for his meticulous surgical techniques, precision, and high success rate.

What is a sinus surgery revision?

Revision endoscopic sinus surgery (RESS) is surgery that is performed for a second time because the first surgery either didn’t work or has stopped working. Sometimes a patient needs to have a repeat surgery because the first surgery was unsuccessful at relieving symptoms or because something new has developed as a result of the surgery.

Revision sinus surgery, like most second surgeries, can present challenges not faced during the primary surgery. For example, the anatomy of the patient may change following surgery, causing a case of severe sinusitis to return. After turbinate surgery, the turbinate that is supposed to be positioned in the middle of the nostril can sometimes move to the side and become what is called “lateralized.” In addition, a patient who had nasal polyps removed may develop new polyps.

A re-do sinus surgery may be necessary due to an incomplete initial sinus surgery. Incomplete surgery can result in adhesion in the sinus, which often leads to obstruction. While it is important to select an experienced Houston ENT when undergoing a primary sinus surgery, it is equally important to find the right surgeon to perform your sinus surgery revision, should you need one.

Why Choose Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute for your Revision Sinus Surgery?

  • Dr. Cecil Yeung has performed over 4,000 sinus surgeries with exceptional results
  • He introduced functional endoscopic sinus surgery to Houston over 15 years ago
  • His surgery re-do rate is 0-1%, well under the national average of 30%
  • He has expertise in complicated sinus disorders and complex sinus revision procedures
  • He is known for his innovative endoscopic techniques, advanced technical skills and his perfectionistic and results-oriented attitude
  • CT scanning of the sinuses is offered on-site in order to precisely map out your sinuses and identify problem areas in advance of surgery

What does revision surgery for sinusitis involve?

Generally, RESS is used for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. The first step in determining whether a sinus surgery revision is necessary is a thorough physical examination, which often involves a sinus CT scan in order to identify where the inflammation is occurring. A CT scan will also pinpoint whether there are any structural abnormalities within the sinuses or nasal passages (e.g. nasal polyps, deviated septum) that may be contributing to recurring blockage of the sinus openings. In addition, Dr. Yeung will review your medical history and all X-rays and imaging from the prior surgery. Other medical conditions and environmental and lifestyle factors must be taken into account as well – all of which can play a role in persistent sinus disease. Although primary chronic sinusitis is typically a medical disease, post-surgical chronic sinusitis may result directly from illness caused during medical treatment, which requires surgical revision right away.

Outcomes from endoscopic sinus surgery performed at Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute are very positive in eradicating recurrent or chronic sinusitis – even among revision surgery patients. In fact, Dr. Yeung’s re-do surgery rate is less than 1%, compared to the national revision surgery average of 30%.

What does revision surgery for nasal polyps involve?

Besides sinusitis, another reason a patient may need to undergo RESS is nasal polyps. Unfortunately, nasal polyps have a high recurrence rate. Many patients suffering from nasal polyps have an intrinsic disease of their sinus lining, which can be caused by allergies or other immune disorders. Returning nasal polyp patients become candidates for revision sinus surgery only after other conservative treatments have been attempted without success.

What can I expect after a sinus surgery revision?

After sinus surgery revision, it is important to ensure adequate drainage from the sinuses. Once adequate drainage has been achieved, Dr. Yeung will typically recommend that patients irrigate their sinuses with a saline solution. Depending on your individual needs, decongestants or mucus thinners, as well as steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines, may be recommended to maintain symptom relief.

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