Alabama Nasal & Sinus Center – Alabama Nasal & Sinus Center – Page 2

If you listen to talk radio or read the advertisements in newspaper and other circular publications, you have likely heard about balloon sinuplasty.  “That first breath of air through my nose.., etc.”  Balloon sinusplasty is a relatively new tool, which can be used for surgical treatment of patients with chronic sinusitis.   Long ago, (in a galaxy far, far, away) sinus surgery was done through open techniques, where incisions were made on the face or under the lip to expose the facial bones and then the sinus cavities.  A great advance in sinus surgery came with the development of endoscopic surgical techniques.  Commonly termed functional endoscopic sinus surgery (or FESS), the endoscopic approach relies upon in-depth knowledge of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and illumination and visualization of these structures with small diameter endoscopes.  The surgical technique is to remove a limited amount of tissue and bone to re-establish the natural outflow of the native sinuses.  Standard FESS techniques were first developed in Europe and later took hold in the United States in the 1980’s.  In addition to the endoscope, the sinus surgeon has a plethora of tools available to precisely and conservatively remove tissue that is diseased to allow the sinuses to drain as they should.  In standard FESS, grasping and cutting instruments and even a microdebrider will be used to achieve the desired results.  Over the years, as technique advanced, new instruments were developed to aid the surgeons in safely and effectively performing these types of surgeries.  One such tool to arrive on the scene was the sinus balloon dilator. 

… Last modified on Friday, May 16, 2014

… Last modified on Thursday, March 06, 2014

One of the most anxiety producing events that may occur during a visit to the ENT is the nasal endoscopy or fiberoptic laryngoscopy.  This is understandable.  We are hard wired to avoid allowing foreign objects into our bodies, especially our noses.  In addition, the endoscopy is done without general anesthesia -you are awake for this thing!  I’m here to set your mind at ease.  Nasal endoscopy and fiberoptic laryngoscopy are very important tools that we use to evaluate the head and neck anatomy of our patients.  In office endoscopy is very safe and virtually no adverse effects or complications are ever encountered.  In our office here at ANSC, we have a state of the art set-up with each room set up as an endoscopy suite.  That means that you and/or your family/friends can watch on your own screen as the endoscopy is performed.  I know some of you will not want to watch, and that is OK.  Either way, the endoscopy is a great way to define anatomy, ensure accurate diagnosis, and educate patients and family.  I am proud to say that I’m not asking you to do anything that I haven’t had done to me several times.  If I can survive it, so can you!.

… Last modified on Thursday, December 05, 2013 Last modified on Friday, October 11, 2013

There is a lot of confusion out there these days regarding what foods to eat.  Eat this, not that.  Well, now that may cause cancer in small rodents if taken in excess, so careful eating THAT.  What’s an omnivore to do?  So many options turns into so many possible land mines.  Well, I hope that I can ease you mind a little with this post.  

… Last modified on Thursday, November 21, 2013