Computer-Assisted Sinus Surgery

Surgery treatment for chronic sinusitis and sinus infections.

Computer-Assisted Sinus Surgery

At North Star ENT, we offer Computer-Assisted Sinus Surgery, a highly successful treatment for chronic sinus conditions, including rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and complex tumors. Our advanced electromagnetic navigation system achieves a 95% success rate in both primary and revision surgeries, utilizing preoperative CT data and minimally invasive techniques to guarantee precise surgical navigation. During the procedure, we employ high-definition endoscopic visualization while patients are under general anesthesia. Most patients return to work within 5-7 days, experiencing significant improvements in breathing and sinus function. With proper post-operative care and follow-up, patients can expect sustained relief from chronic sinus issues, making this advanced surgical option particularly compelling for those seeking long-term solutions.

What Does Computer-Assisted Sinus Surgery Treat?

Computer-assisted sinus surgery tackles a wide range of complex sinus and nasal conditions that often don’t respond to traditional medical treatments.

At North Star ENT, we specialize in addressing severe cases that require precise surgical intervention using advanced computer guidance technology. With a 95% cure rate, our computer-assisted approach delivers exceptional outcomes for both primary and revision surgeries. Recent studies show that patients who undergo computer-assisted navigation experience significantly fewer recurrences.

Our surgical expertise focuses on treating:

  • Chronic rhinosinusitis, including cases resistant to conventional therapy
  • Nasal polyps and frontal recess stenosis that obstruct normal sinus function
  • Complex sinus tumors requiring delicate surgical removal
  • Skull base tumors that demand exceptional precision and expertise

We’re particularly equipped to handle challenging cases that may have failed previous treatments, as our computer-assisted approach enables enhanced visualization and surgical accuracy.

This technology allows us to navigate complex anatomical structures with unprecedented precision, especially in revision cases where normal landmarks may be altered.

Our Core Values:
Putting Patients First

Patient-Centered Care

Prioritizing the needs, comfort, and well-being of every patient by providing compassionate and personalized care throughout their surgical journey.

Excellence and Expertise

Delivering the highest standard of care by leveraging advanced technologies, specialized skills, and a team of fellowship-trained surgeons who are leaders in their fields.

Accessibility and Timeliness

Providing quick access to specialized ENT surgeries with minimal wait times, including offering travel assistance to ensure care is accessible to all Canadians.

Innovation and Advancement

Continuously integrating cutting-edge technology, advanced surgical techniques, and the latest medical research to improve patient outcomes.

What Is Sinus Infection?

When your sinuses become infected and inflamed, you’re experiencing what medical professionals call sinusitis – a common condition we treat frequently at North Star ENT.

This inflammation can result from various underlying causes, leading to distinctive symptoms that greatly impact daily life. The inflammation typically affects the maxillary, ethmoid, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses in varying combinations. This widespread condition affects 31 million Americans annually.

At our facility, we commonly observe these primary types of sinus infections:

  • Acute sinusitis, lasting up to 4 weeks and often beginning as a common cold
  • Chronic sinusitis, persisting beyond 12 weeks and frequently linked to structural issues
  • Subacute sinusitis, spanning 4-12 weeks
  • Recurrent acute sinusitis, characterized by four or more infections annually

We diagnose these conditions through thorough evaluations, including physical examinations, advanced imaging, and when necessary, nasal endoscopy.

Understanding the specific type of infection is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Diagnostic Tests for Sinus Infection

At North Star ENT, accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of effective sinus infection treatment. We employ a thorough range of diagnostic procedures to precisely identify the nature and severity of sinus infections, allowing us to develop targeted treatment plans. Timely professional evaluation helps prevent serious complications from developing.

Our advanced diagnostic capabilities include:

  • Nasal endoscopy utilizing state-of-the-art flexible tubes with high-definition cameras
  • CT imaging for detailed views of sinus structures and inflammation patterns
  • Mucus culture sampling to identify specific bacterial or fungal pathogens
  • Specialized allergy testing when allergic reactions are suspected contributors

We’ll carefully evaluate your symptoms, including the duration and severity of congestion, nasal discharge, facial pain, and changes in smell sensation. Our doctors may also examine you with an otoscope exam to check for signs of swelling and infection during your initial visit.

For cases lasting beyond 10 days or presenting with severe symptoms like high fever or vision problems, we’ll conduct additional testing to guarantee proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

What Happens During Surgery?

During computer-assisted sinus surgery at North Star ENT, patients undergo a sophisticated procedure that combines advanced imaging technology with precise surgical techniques.

We begin by administering general anesthesia, after which our surgeons insert a specialized nasal endoscope equipped with a high-definition camera and light source.

We utilize preoperative CT scan data displayed on monitors while tracking our microinstruments through a computer-enhanced 3D visualization system, allowing for precision within 1.0 mm. The entire procedure typically takes about two hours to complete.

As we navigate through the sinuses, we carefully remove affected tissue and polyps, addressing structural issues such as deviated septums. Our team employs minimally invasive procedures as pioneered by Dr. Howard Levine.

Our minimally invasive approach eliminates the need for external incisions, considerably reducing recovery time and potential complications.

When necessary, we’ll incorporate balloon sinuplasty techniques to restore proper sinus drainage, ensuring ideal surgical outcomes.

Cross-Canada Access to Private Surgery

We make world-class ENT care accessible to all Canadians, offering private surgeries with minimal wait times and inter-provincial travel support.

How Successful is Computer-Assisted Sinus Surgery?

After understanding our surgical approach, you’ll be glad to know that computer-assisted sinus surgery boasts remarkable success rates. At North Star ENT, we consistently achieve symptom improvement rates of 80-90% in our patients, with studies showing significant reductions in nasal resistance and frontal recess stenosis. The procedure provides highly effective relief for patients with uncontrolled nasal polyposis.

Our computer-assisted navigation system enhances surgical precision and reduces the likelihood of requiring revision procedures. Research demonstrates image guidance systems may significantly delay the need for revision surgeries.

We’ve observed that patients undergoing computer-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery experience substantial improvements in their quality of life metrics, particularly when measured by standardized assessments like SNOT-22 and RhinoQoL.

Long-term studies indicate sustained symptom relief and lower recurrence rates, while our experienced surgical team’s expertise, combined with advanced navigation tools, guarantees ideal outcomes in even the most complex cases.

Is Computer-Assisted Sinus Surgery Safe?

Computer-assisted sinus surgery’s safety profile stands among the highest in modern ENT procedures.

At North Star ENT, we utilize advanced image-guidance systems that track surgical instruments in real-time with precision of less than 1.0 mm, ensuring exceptional control within the surgical field. This technology’s minimally invasive approach eliminates the need for external incisions while protecting critical structures near the eyes and brain. This advanced approach leads to shorter recovery times for patients. Systematic reviews have demonstrated reduced perioperative morbidity with computer-aided surgical navigation.

The system’s precise visualization capabilities greatly reduce complications, particularly during complex procedures involving the frontal recess area.

Our computer-assisted approach has been endorsed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and studies consistently demonstrate lower recurrence rates compared to conventional endoscopic techniques.

We’re proud to offer this cutting-edge technology that enhances surgical confidence and delivers superior patient outcomes.

What Is the Recovery Time?

Recovery from computer-assisted sinus surgery follows a predictable timeline at North Star ENT, with most patients returning to work within 5-7 days.

During the immediate postoperative period, we manage discomfort through prescribed medications while patients maintain an elevated head position to reduce swelling and promote drainage. Our patients can experience no nasal packing discomfort since we use dissolvable gel instead. Regular saline nasal rinses are essential during this time to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection.

In the first two weeks, we’ll guide patients through a structured recovery protocol, including saline nasal rinses and postoperative cleaning to prevent adhesions.

Most patients experience 50% improvement after one week, progressing to 75% at two weeks, and 90% by three weeks.

We’ve observed that patients typically achieve full recovery within 3-6 months, with over 95% reporting significant improvements in breathing, sinus pressure, and overall nasal function.

World-Class Medical Care, Right Here in Canada

Book an onboarding consultation with one of our expert surgeons and take the first step toward world-class care, right here in Canada.

When Can I Expect Results?

Results from sinus surgery at North Star ENT emerge in distinct phases, with many patients noticing improvements within days of their procedure.

During the first week, you’ll typically experience reduced nasal congestion and sinus pressure, though complete healing takes time. Studies show chronic sinusitis relief occurs in 80-90% of patients. We’ve observed that most patients can return to work within a week, with full recovery occurring over six weeks.

Long-term outcomes are particularly encouraging, with our computer-assisted techniques achieving success rates exceeding 95% for both primary and revision surgeries.

You’ll notice sustained benefits, including improved nasal airflow, reduced sinus infections, and enhanced mucus drainage.

We’ll support your recovery through regular follow-up visits, and by following our post-operative care instructions, you’ll maximize your surgical results while minimizing the risk of future sinus complications.

Why Choose Computer-Assisted Sinus Surgery?

Three compelling advantages make our computer-assisted sinus surgery at North Star ENT stand out. Our advanced electromagnetic navigation system functions like GPS for precise surgical guidance, while high-definition visualization guarantees peak accuracy during procedures.

When combined with real-time CT scan data, this technology dramatically enhances surgical precision and patient outcomes.

We’ve consistently observed superior results with computer-assisted procedures, including:

  • Reduced recovery periods, with most patients returning to work within a week
  • Minimally invasive techniques that eliminate external incisions
  • Success rates exceeding 95% in treating chronic sinus conditions
  • Enhanced safety through precise tracking of critical anatomical structures

This sophisticated approach particularly benefits patients with complex sinus anatomy or those requiring revision surgery, demonstrating why computer-assisted techniques have become the gold standard in modern ENT care.

We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing through Care Credit and PatientFi. We’ll help verify your coverage and explore payment options to make your sinus surgery as affordable as possible.

We recommend waiting 7-10 days before flying after your surgery. You’ll need our surgeon’s approval first, and we suggest using saline sprays during travel to keep your nasal passages comfortable.

We recommend taking 1-2 weeks off work, depending on your job’s physical demands. You’ll need immediate rest for 1-2 days, and you should return gradually to avoid complications during your recovery.

Yes, you’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery. We don’t allow patients to drive after receiving general anesthesia, so please arrange for a family member or friend to transport you.

Yes, we’ll provide you with specific dietary guidelines. Before surgery, avoid heavy meals and blood-thinning foods. After surgery, you’ll need to stick to soft foods and stay well-hydrated during your recovery period.