Understanding How Image-Guided Surgery Works for My Nasal Procedure

There are many reasons why you might benefit from sinus surgery. Removal of polyps, treatment for chronic sinusitis, and restoration after a nasal valve collapse are just a few reasons your doctor may recommend nasal surgery.

Dr. Conrad McCutcheon, our board-certified surgeon at Memorial Village Sinus & Hearing in Houston, Texas, offers functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). As part of your comprehensive treatment planning, we may perform a CT scan to gather detailed images of your sinuses. These images play a big role in planning your surgery.

But how exactly does image-guided nasal surgery work? Here, we explain image-guided procedures and their many benefits.

How functional endoscopic sinus surgery works

Endoscopic surgeries involve the use of an endoscope, which is a small flexible tube with a light and a camera lens attached at the end. During your nasal procedure, Dr. McCutcheon inserts the endoscope into your nose, and the camera and light allow him to clearly view your nasal cavity and sinuses. 

Not only does the camera provide visibility inside your nose, but the endoscope also offers Dr. McCutcheon the ability to capture images to magnify the problem areas so he can see them close-up without damaging healthy surrounding tissue. In turn, this allows for greater precision and more technical accuracy.

How image guidance works

Sometimes, surgery with added image guidance 一 such as from a CT scan before your nasal procedure 一 may be recommended when incisions may be performed near vital blood vessels or structures. We perform in-office CT scans with the MiniCAT 2020™. The images produced by the CT scan are used as reference points during your procedure. 

Image guidance technology produces 3D images of your sinuses. Because some of your sinuses are near your eyes or brain, the additional imagery adds precision and improves patient safety. 

You don’t have to choose between endoscopic surgery and image guidance. Rather, endoscopic techniques combined with image guidance improves visualization. 

In other words, image-guidance technology takes the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery to the next level. The images give Dr. McCutcheon better visibility in guiding surgical instruments.

Benefits of image-guided functional endoscopic nasal procedures

Endoscopic nasal surgery with image guidance provides many benefits, including:

• Less scarring — the whole procedure is conducted through your nose, with no exterior incisions needed
• Less bleeding and discomfort
• Less removal of tissue required
• Shorter recovery time
• Improved safety and overall effectiveness of the procedure
• Reduced unintentional tissue damage

Not everyone requires the same type of nasal procedure, but you can rest easy knowing that Dr. McCutcheon reviews your specific surgical plan during your consultation. Feel free to ask questions about which procedure you need and how it will work to alleviate your specific symptoms.

To learn more about nasal procedures available at Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing, request an appointment online or call us at 281-822-3777.