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Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Procedure

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is one of the most common surgical methods to treat chronic sinus infections. In a FESS procedure, the sinus surgeon uses a magnifying endoscope to see and remove affected tissue and bone.

In general for chronic sinus infections, the goal of utilizing FESS for sinus surgery is to flush out infected material, open up blocked passages, and keep enough healthy tissue so that your nose and sinuses can function normally.

FESS Applications for Surgery

  • Sinusitis
  • Chronic Sinus Infections
  • Sinus Polyps
  • Nasal Polyps
  • General Sinus Problems Not Corrected with Medications

When the sinuses are blocked, infection and bacteria are trapped, which can lead to inflammation that festers and lingers. Trapped infection causes inflammation and pressure, felt as a headache or facial pressure. Infected sinuses also produce secretions such as phlegm, runny nose, or post-nasal drip, which causes a person to clear their throat often.

What Does FESS Do?

The FESS procedure alleviates these issues by opening the sinuses. With surgery, the sinus opening is enlarged by removing the specific parts that blocks the sinuses. Then the sinus is suctioned clear. The sinus is now open and can keep itself clear. Inflammation goes down, bacteria goes away, and secretions are cleared out. The end results in sinusitis symptoms go away.

The correction rate for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is 85%, the same as balloon sinuplasty. Both treatments can be done in an office or a hospital setting.

What to Expect After FESS

Every patient tolerates pain differently. Most patients manage sinus surgery pain with oral pain prescriptions. Your doctor can tell you what to expect, based on the type of surgery you have. Facial swelling or bruising is rare, but the inside of your nose will be swollen and sore for a while. This may make breathing through your nose difficult for about two weeks.