Health A-Z

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus conditions that don't respond well to medication or other non-invasive treatments. Here's an overview.

1. Nasal congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose.
2. Facial pain or pressure: Especially around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes.
3. Headache: Often worsened by bending forward or lying down.
4. Postnasal drip: Excess mucus draining down the throat.
5. Reduced sense of smell and taste: Commonly experienced.
6. Fatigue: Due to disrupted sleep caused by breathing difficulties.
7. Cough: Particularly at night or upon waking.

1. Medical Management: Initially, chronic sinusitis is often treated with medications such as antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, or antihistamines.
2. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: If symptoms persist despite medical therapy, or if complications such as nasal polyps or structural abnormalities are present, FESS may be recommended.
   • Procedure: FESS is performed using an endoscope inserted through the nostrils, allowing the surgeon to access and remove blockages, polyps, or diseased tissue from the sinuses. The procedure aims to restore normal sinus drainage and ventilation.
   • Balloon Sinuplasty: In some cases, a less invasive procedure called balloon sinuplasty may be performed. This involves using a balloon catheter to dilate blocked sinus openings.
3. Recovery: Recovery from FESS is typically quicker than traditional open sinus surgery. Patients may experience mild discomfort, congestion, or drainage for a few days to weeks following the procedure. Nasal saline rinses and nasal sprays may be recommended to promote healing and prevent infection.
4. Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) are essential to monitor healing progress, manage any post-operative complications, and optimize long-term outcomes.

1. Nasal Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope) is inserted into the nasal passages to examine the sinuses.
2. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed images of the sinuses, helping to identify blockages, polyps, or other abnormalities.
3. Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected to be contributing to sinusitis, skin tests or blood tests may be done to identify specific allergens.