When should a CT scan be obtained?
Once a patient has been treated with medications (generally for a minimum of 4 weeks), a CT scan may be obtained. Doctors can evaluate all sinuses with a screening CT scan, such as the one shown below which demonstrates the maxillary (M) and ethmoid (E) sinuses. This will give the doctor an idea of the sinus anatomy that may be contributing to the problem and also permits evaluation of areas of the sinuses that are not visible using the endoscope. The majority of patients with sinusitis respond the medications and DO NOT require surgery. 




Normal CT Scan of the Sinuses
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When is sinus surgery indicated?  
Surgery is generally needed for the minority of people with chronic sinus problems who do not respond to medical therapy. The diagnosis of chronic sinusitis must be based upon an assessment by your doctor, as other problems can cause symptoms similar to those found with sinus disease. The majority of people with sinusitis DO NOT require surgery. Their sinus symptoms can usually be successfully treated medically. This includes antibiotic therapy and other medications, treatment of allergies, and environmental control. The type of medical therapy used is based upon your doctor’s assessment of the cause.

When medications fail to work and persistent disease is seen on the CT,  surgery is an option. Surgery may be needed if an infected or inflamed area does not clear with antibiotic therapy or other medications, the symptoms return when antibiotics are stopped, or for other reasons. You should discuss your CT and the need for sinus surgery with your doctor.




Abnormal CT Scan of the Sinuses
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 More information on Septoplasty and Turbinate Surgery

Patient Education Interactive Tutorials:
NOTE: In order to view these tutorials, you must have Macromedia Flash installed on your computer.

 Sinus Surgery (Patient Education Institute)- Medlineplus

Other Online Resources:
 Sinusitis (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

 Sinusitis (American Academy of Family Physicians)

 Sinusitis (American Academy of Family Physicians)- Español

 Tips to Remember: Sinusitis (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)