Houston stands out as a leading city for sinus surgery, offering technology and patient care that are fully competitive with, and in some aspects exceed, those found in other major US cities.
Advanced Technology
- Full Spectrum of Minimally Invasive Techniques: Houston clinics and hospitals provide the entire range of sinus surgery options, from in-office balloon sinuplasty for mild to moderate cases to advanced endoscopic and extended frontal sinus surgeries for complex or revision cases[1][2][4][12][13][14]. Surgeons like Dr. Cecil Yeung and Dr. Kuperan are fellowship-trained and perform both routine and highly specialized procedures, including revision surgeries and skull base operations.
- On-Site Advanced Imaging: Many practices, such as Houston Sinus Surgery and the Yeung Institute, offer on-site, high-resolution sinus CT scanning. This allows for precise diagnosis, surgical planning, and immediate access to imaging, streamlining patient care and reducing the need for multiple appointments[1][3][9].
- Image-Guided Surgery: Leading centers use image-guided navigation systems for complex or revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), improving safety and surgical precision. This is comparable to the most advanced centers in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago[5].
- Balloon Sinuplasty: Houston offers FDA-approved balloon sinuplasty—a minimally invasive, quick-recovery option for appropriate patients, with many clinics performing this in-office under local anesthesia[4][12][14]. Recovery times are typically very short, often allowing return to normal activities within 24 hours.
Patient Care
- Personalized, Tailored Approach: Houston sinus specialists emphasize individualized treatment plans rather than a “one size fits all” strategy. Fellowship-trained surgeons assess each patient’s needs to determine whether minimally invasive or more advanced surgery is most appropriate, aiming for the best long-term results[2][12].
- Continuum of Care: Many Houston clinics provide a seamless patient experience, with everything from consultation and imaging to surgery and follow-up care available under one roof[1][9]. This integrated approach enhances convenience and continuity for patients.
- Experienced Surgeons: Houston is home to surgeons who have pioneered advanced sinus surgery techniques in the region. For example, Dr. Yeung introduced functional endoscopic sinus surgery to Houston and has performed over 4,000 sinus surgeries with a re-do rate well below the national average[3][9].
- Comprehensive Services: Centers like the Texas Sinus Institute (affiliated with UTHealth Houston) offer multidisciplinary care, including allergy, immunology, neurosurgery, and access to clinical trials, ensuring that even the most complex cases receive expert attention[8].
How Houston Compares to Other Major Cities
| Feature | Houston | Other Major Cities (e.g., NYC, LA, Chicago) |
|------------------------------- |---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Minimally Invasive Options | Balloon sinuplasty, endoscopic, revision surgery | Widely available |
| Advanced Imaging | On-site CT, image-guided navigation | Widely available |
| Fellowship-Trained Surgeons | Yes, with specialized revision and skull base care| Yes |
| Personalized Care | Emphasized, not “one size fits all” | Variable by provider |
| In-Office Procedures | Common, reduces cost and time | Increasingly common |
| Multidisciplinary Support | Available at major centers | Available at major centers |
| Recovery & Outcomes | Quick recovery, low re-do rates | Comparable at top centers |
Patient Feedback
Patients in Houston frequently praise the expertise, thoroughness, and attentive follow-up provided by local ENT surgeons and staff[1][2][9][13]. The ability to access advanced imaging, consultation, and surgery in one location is seen as a major advantage, and outcomes—especially for complex or revision cases—are strong when handled by fellowship-trained specialists.
