ethmoidotomy

An ethmoidotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening into the ethmoid sinuses, which are a group of air-filled cavities located in the ethmoid bone of the skull, between the eyes and behind the bridge of the nose. This surgery is typically performed to drain infected or blocked ethmoid sinuses.

The procedure can be carried out using traditional endoscopic techniques, where a small, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nostril, or through an external incision. The surgeon uses specialized instruments to carefully access and open the ethmoid air cells, removing any diseased tissue, polyps, or blockages that are preventing proper sinus drainage.

Indications for ethmoidotomy include chronic sinusitis that is unresponsive to medical management, recurrent acute sinusitis, fungal sinusitis, and ethmoid sinus polyps. It may also be performed in cases of orbital complications arising from ethmoid sinus infections, such as orbital cellulitis or abscess.

Complications, though rare, can include bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures like the eye or blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. Post-operative care typically involves nasal saline rinses and medication to manage pain and prevent infection. Recovery times vary, but most patients experience significant symptom relief.