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Nasal and Sinus Disease
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Program Director:
Abemayor, Elliot M.D., Ph.D
Berke, Gerald S. M.D.
Calcaterra, Thomas M.D., F.A.C.S.
Castro, Dan J. M.D.
Corran, Jonathan
Rawnsley, Jeffrey D. M.D., M.S.
Sercarz, Joel A. M.D.
Shapiro, Nina L. M.D.
Wang, Marilene B. M.D. F.A.C.S.
Contact Phone Number
(310) 206-6688
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Description of Clinical Program
The UCLA Nasal and Sinus Disease Center offers medical and surgical management of allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis for relief of pain, ventilation and drainage problems associated with these conditions, as well as nasal breathing problems associated with allergic and structural problems of the nose.
Program Experience
As an integrated program involving otolaryngologists and allergists, the UCLA Nasal and Sinus Disease Center provides a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the medical and surgical management of nasal and sinus problems. Research protocols investigating new pharmaceutical agents and specialized endoscopic surgical procedures are therapeutic options for patients proven refractory to standard medical therapies.
Program Approach
Patients are evaluated in an initial consultation by an otolaryngologist and an allergist. Skin testing and radiologic testing may be performed during the consultation. A full review of work and home environments is conducted.
Medical management may involve the use of antibiotics, antihistamine-decongestants, and nasal steroids. For appropriate patients, a program of allergy avoidance and allergy immunology is started. Patients are instructed in proper care of their sinuses, including regular irrigation. Experimental drug therapies are offered if appropriate.
If medical treatment does not provide satisfactory relief of symptoms, a surgical approach is often recommended. Surgical modification of sinus anatomy can usually restore physiologic sinus drainage and ventilation, thereby resolving current symptoms, as well as preventing future problems.
Endoscopic Management
UCLA Head and Neck surgeons have been performing endoscopical surgery since 1987. Currently, over 400 procedures are performed each year with 90 percent of patients reporting significant improvement in their symptoms.
Endoscopic surgical techniques avoid facial incisions and numbness typically associated with more conventional forms of sinus surgery and can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Patients are monitored to ensure that sinus cavities remain open and functional. Management of underlying allergies with appropriate medications, including immunotherapy, is maintained post-operatively.
Surgeons work closely with referring physicians to coordinate each patient’s treatment plan.
Upon conclusion of treatment, patients are returned to the care of their physicians.
Research Applications
Program research focuses on improvement in endoscopic surgical techniques, as well as investigation into new antimetabolic drugs for the treatment of nasal disorders.
Faculty Members
Marilene Wang, M.D.
Director, UCLA Nasal and
Sinus Disease Center
Assistant Professor of
Surgery, Division of Head
and Neck Surgery
Elliott Abemayor, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Surgery and
Vice Chief, Division of
Head and Neck Surgery
Gerald S. Berke, M.D.
Professor of Surgery and
Chief, Division of Head and
Neck Surgery
Thomas C. Calcaterra, M.D.
Professor of Surgery,
Division of Head and Neck
Surgery
Dan J. Castro, M.D.
Associate Professor of
Surgery, Division of Head
And Neck Surgery
Joel A. Sercarz, M.D.
Assistant Professor of
Surgery, Division of Head
and Neck Surgery
Jeff Rawnsley
Nina L. Shapiro, M.D.
Assistant Professor of
Surgery, Division of Head
and Neck Surgery
Indications for Referral
Patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis are candidates for referral to the UCLA Nasal and Sinus Disease Center. Symptoms include headache, facial pressure, nasal airway obstruction, chronic cough, and in some instances, asthma.
Contact for Patient Referral
UCLA Nasal and Sinus Disease Center
(310) 206-6688
If you have any referralproblems, or want information about other programs, please call theUCLA Physician Helpline, 1-800-UCLA-888.
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