How is ethmoid sinus surgery performed?

Under normal circumstances, when there is inflammation, polyps, cysts, or similar conditions in the ethmoid sinuses, surgical treatment may be considered. Currently, the primary procedure for treating the ethmoid sinuses is endoscopic ethmoidectomy. The specific steps of this surgery are as follows:

1. Position the patient in a supine position. Disinfect the skin around the nose using medical alcohol or iodophor, drape with sterile towels, and administer lidocaine for local anesthesia.

2. Insert the blades of a reverse-biting forceps medially into the uncinate process and hook forward onto the body of the uncinate process. Remove the body of the uncinate process in segments according to its size.

3. Using ethmoid forceps with different angles, remove the anterior (head) and posterior (tail) portions of the uncinate process through the gap created in the body.

4. Use straight ethmoid forceps to open the anterior wall of the ethmoid bulla and enter the ethmoid air cells.

5. Employ ethmoid forceps or a cutting burr to remove diseased mucosa and fractured bone within the ethmoid sinuses.

6. Under endoscopic visualization, identify the location of the basal lamella of the middle turbinate. Gently press posteriorly on the basal lamella using straight ethmoid forceps to open and clear the posterior ethmoid sinus cells.

7. Carefully remove diseased mucosa and thin bony septa from both the anterior and posterior groups of ethmoid air cells.

This surgical procedure requires specialized expertise. To avoid causing harm to the body, it is recommended that the operation be performed under the guidance of a qualified physician. Adequate rest after surgery is important for recovery.