What Is An Ethmoidectomy?
Sinus Infections
The ethmoid sinuses are located between your eyes and the bridge of your nose. They are important in helping your body treat most sinus infections because all of the other sinuses drain through or next to them. So if your ethmoid sinuses are blocked, the infection can spread to the other sinuses.
An ethmoidectomy removes infected tissue and bone in the ethmoid sinuses that blocks natural drainage. The surgeon views your ethmoid sinuses with an endoscope, a thin flexible tube with a very small camera and light at the end of it.
Another special instrument, called a microdebrider has a tiny rotating tip that helps the surgeon put the instrument where it’s needed.
The microdebrider and the camera help the surgeon identify and remove affected tissue and bone more precisely, without damaging healthy tissue.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.