How are you taking part in this consultation?

You will not be able to change how you comment later.

You must be signed in to answer questions

    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    Description

    Chronic rhinosinusitis is when air-filled cavities in the face (sinuses) are infected and inflamed for a long time. Symptoms include facial pain and tenderness, a blocked or runny nose, fever and headache. When medical treatment has not worked, it may be treated by endoscopic sinus surgery. A thin tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) is inserted through the nostrils to open up the affected sinuses. In this procedure, a short tube (stent) or spacer (implant) is placed into the sinus at the end of the surgery. This holds the sinus open, then slowly releases corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation. The stent or spacer is bioabsorbable (it dissolves over time). The aim is to allow the sinuses to heal better so they stay open for longer after the surgery.