An Otolaryngologist’s Comprehensive Approach to Medical and Surgical Management
By Dr. Christie McGee, MD
Sinuses and the Nasal Cavity
The paranasal sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones surrounding the nose and eyes that connect to the nasal cavity through narrow passageways. Sinusitis affects 1 in 8 adults annually and occurs when viruses or bacteria infect the sinuses and multiply, causing tissue swelling that blocks drainage channels and leads to mucus and pus buildup. Beyond physical discomfort, chronic sinusitis significantly impacts quality of life, contributing to sleep disturbances, reduced productivity, depression, and fatigue. Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis (ABRS), Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), and Allergic Rhinitis (AR) are distinct conditions requiring individualized expert evaluation. Structural abnormalities like a deviated septum can further limit airflow and worsen symptoms.
Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis
A key consideration for any Otolaryngologist is differentiating ABRS from CRS, primarily based on symptom duration. It is also important to evaluate for conditions that can mimic sinusitis, such as allergic rhinitis, dental-related facial pain, and neurologic causes like migraines. ABRS is diagnosed when purulent nasal drainage accompanies nasal obstruction, with or without facial pain and pressure, persisting for at least 10 days without improvement. It can also be identified by symptoms that worsen within 10 days after initial improvement, known as “double worsening.” Treatment typically includes nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses, mucolytics, and analgesics, with a 5–7 day antibiotic course when appropriate. Most patients improve by day 7, and 90% fully recover by day 15. If you experience four or more ABRS episodes per year, seek evaluation from an experienced Otolaryngologist.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis
CRS requires 12 or more weeks of at least two of the following symptoms: discolored nasal drainage, nasal obstruction, facial pain or pressure, or decreased sense of smell, along with objective evidence of inflammation confirmed by nasal exam or imaging. Patients are also given a questionnaire to assess symptom severity and the condition’s impact on productivity, mental health, and sleep. Initial management focuses on high-volume saline irrigations and intranasal corticosteroid sprays.
Antibiotics play a minimal role unless active bacterial infection is present. Co-existing allergies should also be addressed, potentially including allergy testing and long-term immunotherapy. After an adequate medical treatment course, your surgeon will assess whether sinus surgery is appropriate. A deviated septum or collapsing nasal structures may also be corrected simultaneously to maximize long-term relief.
What Is Sinus Surgery?
This is a minimally-invasive surgery using a thin telescope and camera system along with specialized and precise sinus instruments that will go through the nose to widen the clogged sinus channels. If there are polyps or thickened mucous, those will be removed from all involved areas. There are no outside incisions through the skin, and the shape of your nose is not altered during sinus surgery. The surgical goal is to allow for easier delivery of sinus saline rinses and steroid sprays, which means less inflammatory episodes over time. Sinus surgery shows excellent long-term benefits when we track quality of life improvements. This type of surgery can be done in an ambulatory day surgery center, and I will be performing these operations at the new Continuum Surgery Center of Naples. Patients will be met with top-of-the-line surgical and anesthesiology care, and your surgery center experience will be centered around comfort and a spa-like atmosphere to minimize associated procedural anxiety. You will go home the same day from surgery and will meet with me one week later in the office for a post-operative visit. I see patients in clinic as part of Florida Gulf Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat, LLC at our Downtown location and would be honored to evaluate and manage your sinus concerns.
Dr. Christie McGee, MD
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
Florida Gulf Coast Ear, Nose & Throat
1000 9th St N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102
(239) 514-2225
www.floridagulfcoastent.com
Continuum Surgery Center of Naples is growing at a rapid rate, so keep an eye out for new specialties and surgeons that have joined us each month!
We Are Hiring!
Continuum Surgery Center of Naples is growing and we are actively seeking talented, compassionate, and dedicated healthcare professionals to join our team. We offer a dynamic work environment, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking surgical center that is transforming patient care in Southwest Florida.
We are currently hiring for the following positions:
• Registered Nurses (RN) — Pre-op / OR / PACU
• Surgical Technologists / Scrub Techs
• Sterile Processing Technicians
If you are passionate about delivering exceptional surgical care and want to be part of a forward-thinking team, we want to hear from you. To explore career opportunities or submit your application, please contact us directly through our facility.
We also welcome surgeons who are looking for a premier place to operate. We invite you to credential with us and, should you choose, become a shareholder in our center. Join a community of surgical professionals who are invested — in every sense — in delivering the highest standard of care.
Join us in shaping the next chapter of surgical excellence in Naples, Florida.
Continuum Surgery Center of Naples
239-504-0004
6750 IMMOKALEE ROAD, STE. 211, NAPLES, FL 34119
www.continuumsurgerycenter.com
info@continuumsurgerycenter.com
Meet Our Distinguished Surgical Team
Continuum Surgery Center of Naples is proud to feature an elite group of surgeons who have been approved and granted surgical privileges at our facility. Each physician brings exceptional training, board certification, and a passion for patient-centered care.
Center Leadership
Dr. Gary Lawson, MD
Anesthesiologist — Medical Director
Quantum Anesthesia Services
PO Box 3120
North Fort Myers, FL 33918
(239) 217-0376
www.quantumanesthesia.net
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Dr. Christie McGee, MD
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
Florida Gulf Coast Ear,
Nose & Throat
1000 9th St N, Suite 201,
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 514-2225
www.floridagulfcoastent.com
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Dr. Price Sonkarley, MD
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
ENTCareSWFL
9240 Bonita Beach Rd, Suite 1106, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
(239) 495-6200
www.ENTCareSWFlorida.com
Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery
Robert D. Klausner, MD, FACS
Board Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – Board Certified Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Robert D. Klausner, MD
26800 S Tamiami Trl #360
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
(239) 498-4968
www.facialdoctor.com
Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery
David Greene, MD, FACS, FARS
Board Certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon
The Florida Sinus Institute
1112 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Ste 203
Naples FL, 34102
(239) 263-8444
www.davidgreenemd.com
Podiatry
Dr. Cliff Burmeister, DPM
Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgery
Foot and Ankle Management Group
681 Goodlette Rd N, Suite 160, Naples, FL 34102
(239) 263-0200
www.footandanklemgmt.com
Dr. Katie Backstrand Stone, DPM
Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgery
Foot and Ankle Management Group
681 Goodlette Rd N, Suite 160, Naples, FL 34102
(239) 263-0200
www.footandanklemgmt.com
Dr. Kelly Malinoski, DPM
Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgery
Dr. Kelly Malinoski LLC
1333 3rd Ave S, Suite 504, Naples, FL 34102
(239) 260-5181
www.podiatristofnaples.com
Pain Management
Dr. Chike Madu, MD
Interventional Pain Medicine
Jaffe Sports Medicine
1865 Veterans Park Dr, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34109
(239) 254-7778
www.jaffesportsmedicine.com
Dr. George Arcos, DO
Interventional Pain Medicine
Board Certified Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Jaffe Sports Medicine
150 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 331-8551
www.jaffesportsmedicine.com
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Andrea Basile, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgery
Basile Plastic Surgery
803 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108
(239) 514-8777
www.basileplasticsurgery.com
Dr. Mark Prysi, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgery
Prysi Cosmetic Surgery
9125 Corsea Del Fontana Way, Naples, FL 34109
(239) 643-3223
www.prysicosmetic.com
Dr. Daniela Burchhardt, MD
Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgery
Burchhardt Facial Plastic Surgery
1333 3rd Ave South, Suite 501, Naples, FL 34102
(239) 999-4541
www.drdanielaburchhardt.com
Dr. Leopoldo Baccaro, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgery
Naples Plastic Surgery
1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C, Naples, FL 34108
(239) 566-2611
www.naplesps.com
Dr. Mark Walsh, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgery
Naples Plastic Surgery
1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C, Naples, FL 34108
(239) 566-2611
www.naplesps.com
Dr. Andrew Bonett, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgery
Naples Plastic Surgery
1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C, Naples, FL 34108
(239) 566-2611
www.naplesps.com
Dr. Paul Gardner, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgery
Naples Plastic Surgery
1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C, Naples, FL 34108
(239) 566-2611
www.naplesps.com
Surgical Breast Oncology
Elizabeth Arguelles, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Breast Surgeon
Magnolia Breast Center
3530 Kraft Rd. Suite 202
Naples, FL 34105
(239) 758-7465
www.magnoliabc.com
Orthopedic Surgery
Robert D. Swift, D.O.
Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery
Blue Sky Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
5500 Bryson Dr. Suite 301
Naples, FL 34109
(239) 877-4662
www.blueskyorthopedics.com