Chronic Rhinosinusitis Melbourne

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a debilitating and persistent inflammatory condition of the sinuses that affects thousands of Australians annually. The symptoms, including prolonged nasal congestion, breathing problems, inflammation, snotty discharge, discomfort, and fatigue, can significantly impair daily functioning and reduce quality of life. At Melbourne ENT, based in St Kilda East, Victoria, we are proud to provide high-level, personalised care for patients struggling with this chronic condition. Our experienced ENT surgeons-Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham-combine medical expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring patients receive the best treatment options.

What Is Chronic Rhinosinusitis?

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a long-term condition marked by inflammation of the mucosal lining of the sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or longer. This inflammation often disrupts normal sinus drainage, leading to mucus buildup, bacterial overgrowth, and ongoing discomfort. CRS can present with or without nasal polyps and may be associated with allergic rhinitis, asthma, fungal infections, or anatomical anomalies such as a deviated septum. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical history, physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging. Effective treatment often requires a stepwise approach starting with medication and escalating to surgical options if symptoms persist.

Who Needs It (Candidates For Chronic Rhinosinusitis Surgery)

Surgical management is considered when medical therapy does not offer sufficient relief or when structural problems are contributing to persistent symptoms. Suitable candidates often report long-term issues that interfere with sleep, work, and daily comfort. These patients may have already tried multiple medications, such as corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines, with minimal improvement. Individuals with obstructive nasal polyps, severe mucosal swelling, or sinus abnormalities visible on CT imaging are particularly good candidates for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). The goal is to relieve obstruction, restore ventilation, and promote long-term sinus health.

Benefits Of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Surgery

Chronic rhinosinusitis surgery, ( FESS), can be life-changing for patients burdened by persistent sinus symptoms. This minimally invasive approach not only removes the physical obstructions that block sinus openings but also enhances medication delivery and effectiveness post-surgery. Many patients report dramatic improvements in their breathing and sense of smell and taste, which can significantly impact quality of life. Relief from chronic sinus pressure and infections often leads to better sleep, increased energy, and reduced absenteeism from work or school. By minimising recurrent infections, surgery also decreases reliance on antibiotics and reduces the risk of complications like orbital cellulitis or abscesses.

Consultation For Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Your journey to improved sinus health begins with a detailed consultation at Melbourne ENT. This visit is designed to understand your complete symptom profile, medical history, and previous treatments. A nasal endoscopy is performed to directly visualise the nasal cavity and sinus openings, allowing for a real-time assessment of inflammation, structural issues, or polyps. If further clarification is needed, a high-resolution CT scan is ordered to map the anatomy of the sinuses and determine the extent of disease and plan the operation. Your surgeon will then explain all possible treatment paths, with a focus on personalising care to your specific needs. Education and informed consent are central to this process, and we welcome your questions throughout.

How Is It Performed (Surgery For Chronic Rhinosinusitis)

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital or accredited surgical facility. Using a small, fibre-optic endoscope inserted through the nostrils, the surgeon visualises the internal sinus structures in high detail. Specialised instruments are used to gently remove any polyps, infected tissue, or bone that may be obstructing sinus drainage. This technique preserves as much healthy tissue as possible while enhancing sinus function. For more complex cases, advanced technologies such as image-guided surgery are employed to navigate intricate anatomical variations safely. The procedure typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, and in most cases, patients return home on the same day.

Recovery After Chronic Rhinosinusitis Surgery

Recovery from sinus surgery is generally smooth and well-managed with proper aftercare. Patients may experience mild nasal congestion, fatigue, or low-grade discomfort for several days post-surgery. At Melbourne ENT we use a dissolvable gel:  no packing or splints are required, this means there is usually only mild discomfort after the operation. It is common to have a sensation of fullness or pressure in the face as healing begins. We recommend regular saline irrigations to keep the nasal passages clean and reduce crusting. Prescription medications, including antibiotics or steroids, may be given to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities, hot showers, and nose blowing in the initial healing phase. Follow-up appointments are essential and may include debridement (gentle cleaning) of the nasal passages to promote healing and prevent scar tissue.

Risks And Complications Of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Surgery

Although Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is considered a low-risk and highly effective procedure, potential complications can occur. These may include minor nosebleeds, temporary nasal dryness, or adhesions where healing tissues bond together. Rare but serious risks include infection, orbital injury, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. These risks are extremely uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons using modern techniques. At Melbourne ENT, we prioritise surgical precision and patient safety, employing detailed pre-operative assessments and the latest surgical equipment to reduce complication rates to a minimum.

Cost Of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Surgery

The overall cost of CRS surgery varies depending on factors such as hospital fees, anaesthesia, and the specific surgical complexity. Some patients may also require additional procedures, such as septoplasty, which can influence the final cost. While Melbourne ENT does not list prices online, we ensure transparent billing practices and provide written quotes during the consultation phase. Our staff are available to help you understand your financial responsibilities and explore available funding options, including private health insurance claims. Our page contains more details.

Medicare Coverage And Insurance

Chronic rhinosinusitis surgery generally qualifies for a Medicare rebate under item numbers 41702 or 41703 as it is a recognised medical necessity. Its important to check with your health insurer to make sure your covered for the procedure and check with their insurer regarding their level of hospital cover and any applicable out-of-pocket expenses. Our administrative team is experienced in handling Medicare claims and insurance paperwork, making the process straightforward and efficient.

Why Choose Melbourne ENT

At Melbourne ENT, patients benefit from an exceptional standard of care led by two of Victoria’s leading ENT surgeons. Dr Stephen Kleid has decades of experience in complex ENT and head and neck surgery. His role at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and his research background ensure he brings depth and authority to every case. Dr Simon Braham complements the practice with his extensive ENT surgical training, having completed advanced training in the United States. Both surgeons are committed to delivering patient-first care, where empathy, education, and communication are just as important as technical skill. Our modern facilities and ongoing commitment to research and innovation allow us to offer the most effective, least invasive treatments available.

“We aim to empower our patients with knowledge and support, ensuring they feel reassured every step of the way.” – Dr Stephen Kleid

Contact Us

Dr Stephen Kleid can be reached at (03) 9038 1630. For consultations with Dr Simon Braham, please call (03) 9038 1311. Melbourne ENT is located in St Kilda East, Victoria, where both specialists provide high-quality ENT care tailored to your needs.

Further Reading

• Read about Melbourne ENT’s Nose Concerns and Conditions
• Read about Melbourne ENT’s Sinusitis Melbourne
• Read about Melbourne ENT’s Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Melbourne
• Read about Melbourne ENT’s Rhinorrhea Melbourne