Rhinology (Nose) Surgery

Rhinology is a medical and surgical subspecialty within the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) field that focuses on the nose and nasal passages. Rhinologists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and surrounding structures. They can treat conditions both medically and surgically. 

Rhinology surgery can treat many conditions, including long-term sinus infections, nasal polyps, blocked noses, runny noses, sneezing, and facial pain. One type of rhinology surgery is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), which is a minimally invasive procedure that can help clear nasal passages and improve drainage. Rhinology surgery has a high success rate and rare complications. Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps are two of the most common rhinology conditions that are treatable.

Treatment for:

Complex sinus disease, nasal polyps, nasal blockage, allergic & intrinsic rhinitis, snoring, septal deviations, dental causes of sinus disease, chronic facial pain, obstructive sleep apnoea, lacrimal conditions.

Lacrimal (Tear Gland) conditions

Excessive tearing / weeping (watery eyes) can be due to many factors and conditions such as texcessive production of tears, a problem with tear drainage or infected mucus. All these conditions can cause quite a lot of distress.

In babies and children, blocked tear ducts are the most common cause of persistent watery eyes. Tears usually drain into the nose through tiny openings called puncta in the inner part of the eyelids located near the nose. Tears then travel through a thin tissue layer over the opening that empties into the nose, called the nasolacrimal duct. In babies, the nasolacrimal duct may not be fully open and functioning for the first several months of life.

In older adults, persistent watery eyes may happen as the aging skin of the eyelids sags away from the eyeballs resulting in a build up of tears and causing discomfort. Adults also can develop blocked tear ducts due to causes such as trauma, infections and swelling called inflammation.

Sometimes, the tear glands make too many tears. This can be in response to the eye surface being dry. Any type of eye surface inflammation also may cause watery eyes, including tiny objects that get stuck in the eye, allergies, or viral infections.

Rhinology, or nasal and sinus surgery, can help improve the quality of life for people with severe nasal and sinus problems. Some benefits of rhinology surgery include:

Improved breathing: Rhinology surgery can help patients breathe better through their nose, which can improve exercise tolerance and performance, and lead to less snoring and better sleep at night.

Improved sense of smell: Rhinology surgery can help improve a patient's sense of smell.

Reduced sinus infections: Rhinology surgery can help reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections.

Pain and discomfort relief: Rhinology surgery can help reduce pain and discomfort.

Resolution of infection: Rhinology surgery can help resolve infections.

You should consider specialist rhinology assessment if you experience:

• Persistent nasal blockage (one or both sides)

• Ongoing sinus infections or facial pressure

• Reduced or lost sense of smell

• Constant runny nose or post-nasal drip

• Nosebleeds that recur or are difficult to control

• Nasal obstruction following injury or previous surgery

• Symptoms that have not improved with sprays or medication

Chronic rhinosinusitis is long-term inflammation of the nose and sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks despite treatment. Symptoms often include congestion, facial pressure, discoloured nasal discharge, reduced smell, and fatigue. Treatment may involve medical therapy, specialist investigations, and in selected cases, sinus surgery.

Not everyone requires a CT scan. Imaging is usually arranged if:

• Symptoms persist despite appropriate medical treatment

• Surgery is being considered

• There is diagnostic uncertainty

• Complications or atypical symptoms are present

CT scans help define sinus anatomy and guide safe, precise treatment planning.

FESS is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to improve sinus drainage and ventilation. Using small telescopes, blocked sinus pathways are opened without external incisions. The aim is to restore normal sinus function while preserving healthy tissue.

No. Standard sinus surgery is performed entirely inside the nose and does not alter the external appearance. If cosmetic or structural nasal concerns exist, then please contact the Adnova Clinic or see Mr Tim Biggs website.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Nasal steroid sprays or rinses

• Allergy management

• Turbinate reduction

• Septoplasty for a deviated septum

• Functional septorhinoplasty where structural support is required - at the Adnova Clinic

A tailored approach is essential for long-term improvement.

A deviated septum occurs when the internal nasal partition is displaced to one side, reducing airflow. This can cause chronic blockage, sinus infections, snoring, or sleep disturbance. Septoplasty may be recommended if symptoms are significant.

Yes. Nasal obstruction can worsen snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. Improving nasal airflow often enhances sleep quality and tolerance of CPAP in patients with sleep apnoea, although nasal surgery alone does not cure obstructive sleep apnoea.

Persistent rhinorrhoea may result from:

• Allergic rhinitis

• Non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis

• Chronic infection

• Medication overuse

• Post-surgical or neurological causes

Accurate diagnosis is essential, as treatment varies significantly depending on the cause.

Most modern rhinology procedures are well tolerated. Pain is usually mild to moderate and controlled with simple analgesia. Nasal congestion and pressure are more common than significant pain during early recovery.

Recovery varies depending on the procedure:

• Most patients return to normal daily activities within 7–10 days

• Nasal congestion can persist for several weeks

• Full healing continues over several months

Post-operative care and follow-up are crucial to optimise outcomes.

Yes. The majority of rhinology procedures are performed as day-case surgery, allowing patients to return home the same day.

No. You can self-refer directly for a private rhinology consultation at Hampshire ENT Clinics.

Surgery is only recommended when symptoms significantly affect quality of life and have not responded adequately to medical treatment. A thorough consultation, examination, and discussion of risks and benefits will guide shared decision-making.