Sinus Surgery Specialist
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Steven D. Kushnick, MD
ENT located in Brooklyn, NY
When sinus problems interfere with your breathing and medication isn’t working, you may need sinus surgery. Steven D. Kushnick, MD, is a double board-certified surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery. At his office in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, he takes an evidence-based approach to care and can determine if you would benefit from sinus surgery. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Sinus Surgery Q & A
What are the sinuses?
The sinuses are air-filled cavities in your skull. They include the:
- Ethmoid sinus between your eyes
- Sphenoid sinus behind your nose
- Maxillary sinuses under your cheeks
- Frontal sinus on your forehead
Soft mucosa and a thin layer of mucus lines your sinuses. These linings help keep the air you breathe in warm, moist, and clean, and the mucus drains into the nose.
Any blockage or obstruction in the sinus cavity may prevent draining of the mucus, leading to the growth of bacteria and infection. Structural problems in the nose, such as a deviated septum, may also affect the normal drainage of the sinuses and cause problems.
Who needs sinus surgery?
Dr. Kushnick can talk to you about sinus surgery when you come in for a consultation. He most often recommends sinus surgery as a treatment for chronic sinusitis that fails to improve with conservative medical care.
Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation and infection of the sinus cavity that lasts longer than 12 weeks. Acute sinusitis (sinusitis that lasts less than four weeks) that occurs several times a year is also a type of chronic sinusitis.
When left untreated, chronic sinusitis may increase your risk of developing nasal polyps — painless growths found in the nasal cavity. Nasal polyps may block the passage of air and worsen your breathing.
What are the types of sinus surgery?
There are several types of sinus surgery, including:
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
FESS is the most common type of sinus surgery. During FESS, Dr. Kushnick inserts an endoscope through your nostril and advances it to your sinus cavity. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera that allows Dr. Kushnick to see your nasal cavity on a computer screen to guide the procedure.
He then inserts other instruments through the same nostril to perform any necessary procedures to improve sinus health, such as removing polyps or widening the natural drainage of your sinus cavity.
Image-guided sinus surgery
Image-guided sinus surgery combines FESS with CT scanning to improve visualization during the procedure.
Balloon sinuplasty
During balloon sinuplasty, Dr. Kushnick uses a catheter to insert a balloon into your sinus cavity. He slowly inflates the balloon to open the area and improve drainage.
Dr. Kushnick performs sinus surgery in the outpatient setting and uses general anesthesia, so you’re asleep during the procedure.
Chronic sinus problems may get worse over time. Call the office of Steven D. Kushnick, MD, or book an appointment online.
