Sinus remedy choices: Is minimally invasive sinus surgery better?

According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times, May 20, 2010 by Shari Roan, ‘There is a lack of scientific data to show that minimally invasive sinus surgery is a better option than traditional drug-free choices such as nasal saline irrigation, or conventional medication therapies such as antibiotics or intranasal steroids.’

‘Chronic sinusitis is a condition wherein the patient suffers recurring sinus infections, including sinus and nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, and facial pressure lasting three months or more. It is a leading cause of doctor’s office visits in the United States.’

According to the authors, “Endoscopic sinus surgery has been a revolutionary technology, (minimally invasive sinus surgery, in which small instruments and a lighted tube are inserted through the nose to remove abnormal tissue or obstructions, was introduced in the United States in 1985) and has the potential to improve rhinosinusitis with markedly less morbidity relative to open approaches.” But, they add, “without long-term studies comparing surgery with medical treatments “the appropriate rate of endoscopic sinus surgery remains unknown.”

The study was released in the Archives of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.