What is ethmoidotomy, and why is surgery performed on the ethmoid labyrinth?
The ethmoid labyrinth is a system of small air cells between the nasal cavity and the eye socket, through which the frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses are drained. Its inflammation often leads to simultaneous involvement of several sinuses.
Ethmoidotomy involves opening the affected cells of the ethmoid labyrinth and restoring their normal ventilation. The operation is performed using the endoscopic method, through the nasal passages, without incisions on the face. If growths are found in the nasal cavity or adjacent structures during diagnosis, Helyos Medical Center performs their surgical removal as part of planned treatment.
Which ethmoid sinus conditions require surgical treatment?
The operation is recommended for frequent exacerbations of ethmoiditis, polypous changes in the mucous membrane, and the spread of the inflammatory process to neighboring sinuses. For chronic involvement of several sinus groups, Helyos Medical Center performs comprehensive endoscopic surgery of the paranasal sinuses.
Indications for endoscopic ethmoidotomy
Consulting an ENT doctor for chronic sinusitis and nasal congestion is the first step toward accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Indications for the operation:
- chronic ethmoiditis resistant to prolonged antibiotic therapy;
- nasal polyposis involving the ethmoid labyrinth;
- mucoceles and cysts of the ethmoid cells;
- chronic sinusitis of adjacent sinuses caused by blockage of ethmoid labyrinth drainage;
- benign growths in the cells of the ethmoid bone.
Surgical treatment not only eliminates the focus of inflammation but also improves access of the mucous membrane to topical therapy, increasing the effectiveness of sprays and rinses.
How is endoscopic ethmoidotomy performed?
During the operation, access to the ethmoid labyrinth is achieved through the nasal cavity. The surgeon carefully removes the altered tissue and restores natural communication with the neighboring sinuses.
Procedure parameters:
- anesthesia — general;
- duration — 30–90 minutes;
- hospital stay — outpatient or 1 day;
- return to work — after 5–7 days;
- full recovery — 4–6 weeks.
If the sphenoid sinus is also affected, endoscopic sphenoidotomy is performed at the same time.
Results and recovery after treatment
In the first days of rehabilitation, nasal congestion and moderate discomfort are possible. Most patients notice improved nasal breathing as early as 1–2 weeks, as the swelling subsides. It is important to regularly rinse the nose with saline solution — this speeds up cleansing of the mucous membrane.
Important! For 2 weeks after the operation, physical exertion, air travel, and overheating should be avoided.
Why patients choose Helyos Medical Center
When it comes to surgery on the ethmoid labyrinth, diagnostic accuracy and surgeon experience are of fundamental importance. At Helyos Medical Center, preoperative sinus CT is performed on modern AI-assisted equipment — this allows detailed assessment of the anatomy and individual planning of the operation for each patient.
You can book an appointment and find out the price of the operation by calling +380670000150 or via the form on the website. How much treatment costs in your case, the doctor will confirm after an in-person consultation, examination, and review of the CT results.
