Sinus Surgery

Navigating Sinus Issues: Understanding Procedures, Risks, and Your Rights

Chronic sinus issues can significantly impact your quality of life, causing facial pain, congestion, headaches, and a constant feeling of pressure. While medication and lifestyle changes can sometimes offer relief, in many cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary. However, with any surgery, understanding potential risks and complications is crucial. If you’ve experienced negative outcomes resulting from sinus surgery, you may have legal options and need to consult with Baltimore sinus surgery lawyer Mark Kopec. At the Kopec Law Firm, we provide you this information about sinus conditions, common procedures, potential risks, and your rights in case of medical malpractice.

Anatomy of the Sinuses

The sinuses are a system of air-filled cavities located within the bones of the skull. These cavities are lined with a mucous membrane that helps to humidify and filter the air we breathe. There are four pairs of sinuses:

• Frontal sinuses: Located in the forehead, above the eyes.
• Maxillary sinuses: Located in the cheekbones, below the eyes.
• Ethmoid sinuses: Located behind the eyes, between the nose and eyes.
• Sphenoid sinuses: Located behind the nose, at the base of the skull.

Symptoms of Sinus Conditions

Sinus conditions, also known as sinusitis, can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Nasal congestion: Stuffiness or blockage in the nose.
• Nasal discharge: Runny nose, often thick and discolored.
• Facial pain or pressure: Pain in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes.
• Headache: Often a dull, throbbing pain.
• Postnasal drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat.
• Cough: A dry, hacking cough.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or drained.
• Fever: In some cases, a low-grade fever.

Baltimore sinus surgery lawyer Mark Kopec can evaluate the sinus symptoms that you had.

What Type of Doctor to See for Sinus Conditions

If you are experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, you should see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. ENT specialists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the ears, nose, and throat.

Tests Used to Diagnose Sinus Conditions

ENT specialists use a variety of tests to diagnose sinus conditions, including:

• Physical exam: The doctor will examine your nose and sinuses.
• Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted into your nose to view your nasal passages and sinuses.
• CT Scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of your sinuses.
• MRI: An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your sinuses.

Types of Sinus Conditions

When healthy, sinuses produce mucus that drains, keeping them clear and preventing infection. However, various factors can block this drainage, leading to inflammation and infection, known as sinusitis. While acute sinusitis usually resolves on its own, chronic sinusitis is often persistent and requires medical attention. There are several types of sinus conditions, including:

• Acute sinusitis: A short-term infection that usually lasts less than four weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis: A long-term infection that lasts for more than 12 weeks.
• Recurrent sinusitis: Repeated episodes of acute sinusitis.
• Fungal sinusitis: An infection caused by a fungus.

Types of Sinus Procedures:

Depending on the severity and specific cause of your sinusitis, different surgical options may be considered. Some common procedures include:

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): This minimally invasive procedure uses an endoscope, a thin, lighted tube, to visualize and remove blockages like polyps or deviated Septum.
• Balloon Sinuplasty: A thin catheter with a deflated balloon is inserted into the sinuses and inflated to open blocked drainage pathways.
• Image-Guided Surgery: Advanced techniques like CT scans and navigation systems assist surgeons in performing delicate procedures around vital structures like the eyes and brain.
• Traditional Sinus Surgery: In rarer cases, open surgery may be required for extensive blockages or complex situations.

Who Performs Sinus Procedures

Otolaryngologists, also known as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists, are qualified to diagnose and treat sinus conditions. Some doctors may further specialize in facial plastic surgery or rhinology, offering advanced expertise in these procedures.

Potential Risks and Complications: You May Need Baltimore Sinus Surgery Lawyer Mark Kopec

While any surgery carries inherent risks, some potential bad outcomes associated with sinus procedures include:

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common, but excessive bleeding can require further intervention.
• Infection: Proper sanitation and antibiotic use minimize this risk, but infections can still occur.
• Allergic reactions: Anesthesia or medications used during surgery can trigger allergic reactions.
• Damage to surrounding structures: Eye injury, nerve damage, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak are rare but serious complications.
• Persistent symptoms: In some cases, surgery may not fully resolve the underlying condition, requiring further treatment.

Types of Medical Malpractice Claims with Baltimore Sinus Surgery Lawyer Mark Kopec

Medical malpractice claims related to sinus surgery can arise from a variety of errors, including:

• Misdiagnosis of a sinus condition: This can lead to delayed treatment and complications.
• Surgical Error: This can cause damage to the sinuses or surrounding tissues.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: Patients must be informed of the risks and benefits of surgery before giving consent.
• Failure to monitor the patient after surgery: This can lead to complications, such as infection or bleeding.

Medical Malpractice Remedies with Baltimore Sinus Surgery Lawyer Mark Kopec

If you experience unexpected harm or negative outcomes following sinus surgery, it’s essential to seek legal counsel from Baltimore sinus surgery lawyer Mark Kopec. If evidence suggests the surgeon deviated from the standard of care, you may have a medical malpractice case. We can help you understand your rights and evaluate potential legal options, which may include:

• Compensation for medical expenses: Covering past and future medical bills related to the negligent care.
• Lost wages: Recovering income lost due to missed work or reduced capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the malpractice.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Sinus Surgery Lawyer Mark Kopec

Visit our free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.