Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Sinusitis is a condition where the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities start to swell. A sinusitis patient is prone to continue experiencing symptoms that do not clear up even after treatment and medication. These symptoms can build on and develop over the years if left untreated.

In such a case, patients must visit a doctor for a check-up. Delay in treatment may only make the condition worse and takes a toll on your overall physical condition.

• Best ENT treatment for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

• What are the symptoms which can necessitate Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

• How to prepare you for the Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) surgery?

• During the Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) Procedure?

• What can you expect after an Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

What kind of risk and complications in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

Following are some of the common symptoms which can signal that the patient might need to undergo a FESS procedure -

• When treatments don’t work on ailments and symptoms related to sinuses

• Nasal inflammation

• Thick discharge from the nose

• Postnatal drainage

• Congested nose, causing irregular, laboured breathing

• Deteriorating sense of smell and taste

Other, less common symptoms include -

• Ear pain

• Headaches

• Pain in upper jaw and teeth

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Bad breath

• Fatigue

While chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have the same symptoms, acute sinusitis is a temporary infection that comparatively, lasts for a shorter period.

The doctors may prescribe the patient, depending on the condition, to take prescribed medication weeks or days before the surgery. It helps improve the sinus condition before the surgery. The prescribed medication may include some antibiotics or oral steroids.

Medications to avoid before surgery are as follows.

• Aspirin
• Vitamin E tablets
• Blood thinners
• Ibuprofen and such anti-inflammatory medications

A smoker should quit smoking weeks before and after the surgery for better surgery results. If the patient finds it difficult to quit smoking, healthcare providers can help.

During the Procedure

Endoscopic sinus surgery is generally done under general anaesthesia, but local sedation and anaesthetic can be used for minor procedures. Usually, the surgery takes between one and two hours.

The surgery is performed through the nose and does not cause any facial scars or changes to the outside shape of the nose. The surgeon uses an endoscope (a small tube with a special lens) to examine each of the nasal passages. The surgeons also make use of special instruments to remove any polyps and to broaden the passages from the sinuses into the nose to allow for normal draining and ventilation.

Even if the chances of some side effects and risks occurring are low, a patient needs to consider the same. Some of these potential risks are -  

Most people recover well and return to normal activities after endoscopic sinus surgery. As with any procedure, there can be complications:

• Pain

• Bleeding

• Blood clots

Specific complications of endoscopic sinus surgery:

• Damage to the eye

• Infection of the sinuses

• Leaking of fluid from the brain