Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Is facial pain and congestion making you miserable? Sinusitis, where your sinuses become inflamed and blocked, could be the culprit. While medications can often alleviate the pressure and drainage, some cases might require Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to clear the blockage. This minimally invasive procedure can offer long-term relief.

Sinusitis: Causes and Symptoms

Sinuses are air-filled cavities located in your face around your eyes, nose, and cheeks. Healthy sinuses produce mucus that drains naturally, keeping them clear. However, when this drainage is blocked, it can lead to sinusitis. Common causes of sinusitis include:

• Allergies: Allergies can inflame the lining of the sinuses, leading to blockage and infection.
• Colds: Colds can cause congestion and inflammation in the sinuses, increasing your risk of infection.
• Nasal polyps: These are soft, noncancerous growths in the lining of the nose and sinuses that can block drainage.
• Deviated septum: A deviated septum is a misalignment of the cartilage wall separating your nostrils. This can obstruct drainage and make you more susceptible to sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis can vary depending on the severity and cause. However, some common ones include:

• Facial pain and pressure, especially around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes
• Nasal congestion and discharge, which can be thick and yellow or green
• Postnasal drip, causing a sore throat and cough
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Facial swelling
• Fever

What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis that doesn't respond well to medication. Unlike traditional sinus surgery that involves external facial incisions, FESS utilizes an endoscope. The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera. It allows surgeons to visualize and operate within the sinuses through the nose, minimizing the need for external incisions. Here's how FESS surgery benefits patients:

• Minimally invasive: FESS avoids external cuts, leading to quicker recovery and less scarring.
• Improved precision: The endoscope allows for magnified visualization of the sinuses, enabling the surgeon to precisely target blocked areas.
• Preservation of healthy tissue: FESS removes only the necessary amount of tissue, preserving healthy structures.
• Faster recovery: Minimally invasive techniques generally promote faster healing times compared to traditional surgeries.

FESS Surgery: Step-by-Step

While the specifics may vary depending on your individual case, here's a general breakdown of the FESS procedure:

1. Anesthesia: You will likely receive general anesthesia, putting you to sleep during the surgery.
2. Endoscope insertion: The surgeon inserts a thin endoscope through your nostril.
3. Sinus visualization: The endoscope provides a magnified view of the sinuses on a monitor. This allows the surgeon to identify blockages and inflamed tissues with precision.
4. Tissue removal: Using specialized surgical instruments passed through the endoscope, the surgeon carefully removes inflamed tissues. The surgeon also opens blocked sinus passages to restore drainage.
5. Closure (optional): In some cases, the surgeon might use absorbable packing to prevent bleeding and promote healing. This packing typically dissolves on its own within a few days.
6. Recovery: After surgery, you'll be monitored in the recovery room until you're stable enough to go home.

Risks and Complications of FESS Surgery

As with any surgery, FESS carries some potential risks and complications. These are generally uncommon, but it's important to be aware of them before deciding on the procedure.

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common after FESS, but excessive bleeding can occur in rare cases.
• Infection: There's a slight risk of infection after any surgery.
• Eye injury: The proximity of the sinuses to the eyes requires great care during surgery. Injury to the eye is a very rare complication.
• CSF leak: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Injury during surgery could lead to a CSF leak, requiring additional procedures to repair it.
• Loss of smell: While uncommon, some patients might experience temporary or permanent changes in their sense of smell.

It's crucial to discuss these risks and potential complications with your doctor to understand your individual situation.

Costs and Popular Countries for FESS Surgery

The cost of FESS can vary depending on factors like surgeon's fees, facility charges, anesthesia costs, and geographic location.

Are you considering Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) but uncertain about the costs? Wupdoc is here to assist you! We've compiled a selection of top-rated doctors and clinics specializing in FESS procedures.