Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
Rhinology, Sinus and Skull Base Surgery
A Rhinologist is a type of Ear, Nose, and Throat subspecialist trained to treat diseases of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and surrounding structures (such as the eye and border of the brain) both medically and surgically. You might see a Rhinologist for allergies, nasal septal deviation, nasal congestion, sinus infections, nasal polyps, nose bleeds, and tumors.
Rhinologists also perform skull base surgeries to treat issues impacting the border between the sinuses and brain, from leakage of brain fluid to tumors (non-cancerous and cancerous). Skull base surgeries often require a team-based approach, collaboration with Neurosurgeons or Oculoplastic Surgeons is a common practice.
Reasons to choose UMMC ENT for Rhinology
- We offer the only advanced care for rhinology and skull base issues in the state.
- Our providers have had additional training dedicated to treating issues of the nose, sinus, and skull base.
- We have state-of-the-art equipment.
- UMMC ENT offers a team-based approach to care; our Rhinologists work alongside Allergists, Neurosurgeons, Oculoplastic Surgeons, Radiation Oncologists, and Hematology Oncologists.
- We offer the latest image-guided surgery.
Pathway to care
During your first visit, a thorough medical history will be obtained by one of our Rhinologists. Many times, an examination of the nasal cavity with an endoscope will be performed in the office. It is very common that a CT scan and occasionally an MRI of the sinuses will be obtained.
When possible, medical care is the first resort of our Rhinologists. If those efforts are unsuccessful or the condition is more advanced, our team will offer nasal or sinus surgery. Most surgeries can be performed as an outpatient without needing to be admitted to the hospital. More advanced skull base surgery is done on an inpatient basis.
Conditions we treat
Sinus/Allergy:
- Nasal obstruction and deviated septum
- Nasal congestion and drainage
- Nosebleeds
- Continued problems after prior sinus surgery
- Chronic and acute sinus disease
- Nasal polyps
- Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
- Tumors of the sinuses and nasal cavities
- Nasal allergies
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias (Osler Weber Rendu Syndrome)
- Cystic fibrosis sinusitis
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia sinusitis
- Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) or Samter's triad
- Graves orbitopathy
- Tear duct blockage/obstruction
Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery:
- Pituitary tumors
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Sinonasal/skull base cancers
- Meningioma
- Encephalocele repair
- Management of spinal fluid leaks