‘What’s Up Doc’ is a health column in association with Spire Gatwick Park, your local private hospital, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding general health and wellbeing. Answers will be provided weekly from specialist consultants at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital. If it’s a long-standing illness or simply a worry which you would like to get off your mind then send your questions to Spire Gatwick Park is a private hospital located in Horley, Surrey providing a range of treatments, from orthopaedic to ophthalmic, ENT to cosmetic. You do not need private medical insurance to use Spire Gatwick Park Hospital facilities and patients can get appointments within 2 weeks.
Dear Doc, I have had sinus problems for many years and have had two operations to try and improve my condition. The problem seems to be with the sinuses in my forehead where I get repeated infections despite the surgery I have already had done. Is there anything more that could be done to help?
Andy, Crawley
Chronic sinusitis is a long term inflammatory or irritative process involving cavities in the bones around your eye sockets, although the reason for the persistent nature of sinusitis has been difficult to identify. Treatment usually involves medications particularly in the form of steroid sprays or antibiotics and failing this surgery has a role. Despite this it can occasionally be difficult to cure sinusitis. Endoscopic sinus surgery is the current mainstay of surgical treatment but it is not always good at managing the frontal sinus (the “sinuses in your forehead”). A new technique, balloon sinuplasty, has recently been introduced and is particularly good at dealing with the frontal sinus. It is less invasive, quicker, performed as a day case and has fewer complications. In the eighteen months doing this operation I have had good results, even with previously unsuccessful cases. If you are having persistent problems I recommend you seek a further specialist opinion.
Mr Mike O’Connell, consultant Ear Nose & Throat surgeon, offers appointments at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital on Thursday and Saturday. To book an appointment call 01293 778 906 or email info@spiregatwick.com