Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Endoscopic surgery that clears blocked sinus drainage pathways without external incisions.
Stay
Day care or short stay
Duration
About 1-2 hours
Anaesthesia
General
About Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
FESS uses an endoscope passed through the nostril to open blocked sinus drainage pathways. Because it works through the nose, there are no external cuts. It is generally considered for chronic sinusitis that has not settled with medication.
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about functional endoscopic sinus surgery (fess). Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest functional endoscopic sinus surgery (fess).
- Chronic sinusitis not responding to medical treatment
- Nasal polyps causing blockage
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Persistent facial pressure or reduced sense of smell
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment
Nasal endoscopy and a CT scan of the sinuses show which areas are blocked.
Surgery
The endoscope is passed through the nostril and blocked drainage pathways are opened.
Early recovery
Some congestion and light bleeding are common in the first days after surgery.
Follow-up cleaning
Review appointments allow the surgeon to clean the nasal passages as healing progresses.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- A CT scan of the sinuses is needed before surgery
- Nasal sprays or antibiotics may be prescribed in the run-up
- Stop blood-thinning medication only if your surgeon tells you to
- Fasting from the time specified before your anaesthetic
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Often a day case, though some patients stay one night
- Nasal congestion and light bleeding are expected for a few days
- Saline rinses are important and will be explained before discharge
- Avoid nose-blowing, straining and swimming for around two weeks
Why choose Humayun?
What you can expect from us, whichever department you come in through.
Experienced specialists
Consultants who perform these procedures routinely, not occasionally.
Everything on one campus
Theatres, critical care, diagnostics and pharmacy in the same building, so care is not split across sites.
Safety you can check
Infection control, consent and clinical protocols audited against national accreditation standards.
In-house diagnostics
Laboratory and imaging on site, so results reach your doctor the same day rather than after a referral.
Clear about cost
You are told what a treatment involves and what it is likely to cost before you consent to it.
Support around the clock
A 24×7 emergency department and critical care units, whatever time you need us.
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in ENT
Tonsillectomy
Removal of the tonsils, considered for repeated infections or breathing difficulty during sleep.
Septoplasty
Surgery to straighten a deviated nasal septum and improve airflow through the nose.
Adenoidectomy
Removal of the adenoids, for children with blocked noses, disturbed sleep or recurrent ear problems.
Nasal Procedures
Surgery for a blocked nose, including turbinate reduction, polyp removal and control of nosebleeds.
Ear Procedures
Surgery on the ear including grommets, eardrum repair and treatment of chronic discharge.
Laryngoscopy
Examination of the voice box with an endoscope, for hoarseness, swallowing difficulty and throat symptoms.
Minor Head & Neck Procedures
Day-care procedures on the neck and face, including biopsy of lumps, cyst removal and drainage of abscesses.