Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
in Austin, TX
Advanced, minimally invasive sinus surgery using 3D image-guided technology for patients with chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections. Outpatient procedure with excellent long-term outcomes.
Advanced Surgical Treatment for Chronic Sinusitis
Amazing surgical advances over the last decade allow our skilled ENT doctors to perform cutting-edge sinus surgery for patients with severe sinus disease. Endoscopic sinus surgery to treat chronic sinusitis or recurrent acute sinusitis can now be performed without the pain and complications of previous sinus surgeries.
The goal of endoscopic sinus surgery is to remove blockages in the sinuses that cause pain and breathing problems. Removing blockages will help the sinuses drain, improve airflow through the nasal passages, and reduce the number and severity of sinus infections.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis:
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pressure
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Decreased sense of smell
How Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Works
Endoscopic sinus surgery uses a small instrument with a camera and light at the end, allowing the surgeon to view the sinuses and determine what is causing the blockages — then safely and effectively remove them through the nostrils.
Watch this video to learn more about how the procedure is performed at Capital ENT.
Schedule a Sinus ConsultationEndoscopic Sinus Surgery — Step by Step
Step 1: Outpatient Procedure
Traditional endoscopic sinus surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia. You go home the same day.
Step 2: Endoscopic Visualization
Using a nasal endoscope — a small instrument with a camera and light at the end — the sinus surgeon can view the sinuses and determine what is causing the blockages.
Step 3: Blockage Removal
The doctor inserts specialized instruments into the nostrils to safely and effectively remove sinus blockages, including polyps, diseased tissue, and any other obstructions preventing proper drainage.
3D Image-Guided Surgery
We frequently perform 3D image-guided sinus surgery, which uses real-time CT imaging to guide our surgeons during your procedure. The images move on the screen with the surgeon's hand movement, which allows for unmatched precision and a reduced risk of complications during and after your procedure, as well as improved patient outcomes.
Combined with rotating suction instruments to remove nasal polyps, powered sinus washing devices to treat infection, and instruments to straighten the septum and reduce the size of the turbinates if necessary, endoscopic sinus surgery is highly successful in treating patients that have experienced lifelong sinus issues.
- Real-time 3D CT imaging during surgery
- Rotating suction instruments for polyp removal
- Powered sinus washing to treat infection
- Endoscopic guided cultures for targeted antibiotics
- Septoplasty and turbinate reduction when needed
Quicker Recovery With Advanced Techniques
With the advanced techniques employed by the physicians at Capital ENT, the procedure typically takes 1–3 hours and most patients go home the same day as an outpatient procedure.
Our surgeons also use endoscopic guided cultures to enable utilization of culture-specific antibiotics — meaning your post-operative care is targeted precisely to your specific infection for faster healing and better results.
- Procedure typically takes 1–3 hours
- Same-day discharge — go home the same day
- Culture-specific antibiotics for faster healing
- Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks
Recovery Timeline
What to expect after your procedure
Day of Surgery
Go home the same day. Rest with head elevated — light bleeding and congestion is normal.
Days 2–7
Mild congestion and fatigue. Follow-up visit with your surgeon; targeted antibiotic therapy begins.
Week 2
Most patients return to work and normal daily activities.
Other Nasal & Sinus Solutions
Balloon Sinuplasty
A minimally invasive, in-office alternative to traditional sinus surgery. Dr. Wassmuth was the first in Austin to perform the procedure and has completed 10,000+ sinus surgeries.
Learn more →Septoplasty
Surgical correction of a deviated septum to improve nasal airflow and reduce sinus issues. Often performed alongside endoscopic sinus surgery.
Learn more →Turbinate Reduction
A procedure to reduce the size of enlarged turbinates, improving nasal breathing and airflow through the nasal passages.
Learn more →Polypectomy
Removal of nasal polyps that obstruct the sinuses and nasal passages, often performed as part of endoscopic sinus surgery.
Learn more →Ready to Breathe Freely Again?
Our board-certified sinus surgeons have performed thousands of endoscopic sinus procedures. Same-day and next-day consultation appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations.