Sinus and Skull Base

Overview

The rhinology team at UW Medicine are surgeons and health care providers with subspecialty training and expertise in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases involving the sinuses, nose, and anterior skull base. 

Our approach involves performing a comprehensive evaluation using state-of-the-art technologies and a team mindset with our colleagues in other specialties to determine the proper diagnosis and treatment plan for each individual patient.  Often the initial line of treatment is using medical therapy.  If medication does not work to improve a person’s symptoms, then when we consider surgery.  The ultimate decision is made by the patient.  We pride ourselves on giving the patient the best, most up-to-date information available to make an informed decision.  Being in a university medical center, not only do we know the latest research and newest techniques, but in many cases, we are the ones developing those new treatment strategies.  We work closely with our UW Medicine colleagues in allergy, immunology, pulmonary, infectious diseases, and neurosurgery.  The result is an enhanced, coordinated approach to treatment of the whole patient.

Treatment options provided by our specialists

We utilize the latest advances in endoscopic sinus surgery to deliver the highest quality and most modern, minimally invasive procedures to improve quality of life related to chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. We collaborate with providers from several specialties (e.g, allergy/immunology, rheumatology, infectious disease) to ensure that you have the best possible outcome before and after your procedure.

Nasal blockage due to an anatomic obstruction and chronic runny nose are common conditions that may require a procedure if medical treatments are not effective. We are pleased to offer a wide array of minimally-invasive both in-office and surgical treatments for patients who suffer from these conditions. Our goal is to improve your quality of life and allow you to quickly resume your regular activities using the very latest in available technologies.

We are pleased to be one of the few centers in the country that offers a multi-disciplinary team approach to treat disorders of the tear duct and eye/orbit through the nose in a minimally-invasive manner using a small camera (endoscopic).

Our expert team of nose/sinus (rhinologists) and eye surgeons (ophthalmologists) collaborate to offer these cutting-edge procedures (e.g., endoscopic DCR and orbital decompression) in order to address excessive tearing caused by blockage of tear ducts, and to remove bone around the eye to relieve pressure to improve the appearance. These minimally invasive procedures allow for faster recovery time and improved outcomes than more traditional approaches.

We treat many serious conditions including CSF leaks, skull base tumors, and brain tumors that require access through the nose and sinuses using a small camera (endoscopic).  This area is called endoscopic skull base surgery, and often uses our expertise along with that of neurosurgeons. Endoscopic skull base surgery allows for improved recovery times and outcomes compared to open surgeries. We also collaborate with a range of experts including medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, should these condition in a coordinated and multi-disciplinary fashion to ensure the best outcome.

Providers and Researchers

Clinics and Research Center

Otolaryngology-HNS at Eastside Specialty Center

UW Medicine’s Eastside Specialty Center is one of a kind: a multi-specialty outpatient clinic featuring some of the most highly qualified, experienced and caring physicians UW Medicine has to offer.

Otolaryngology-HNS at UW Medical Center - Montlake

Our highly trained surgeons, providers, nurses and support staff treat patients with disorders such as chronic sinusitis, dizziness, cancer and the loss of ability to hear, speak and/or swallow.

Research