Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive surgery in which the ENT surgeons use nasal endoscopes to locate the infected and inflamed parts of the sinuses and then drain them to relieve the patient’s symptoms. It is a highly effective sinus infection surgery with a success rate of over 80-90%.
Since the surgery is performed internally through the nostrils, there is no scarring or bruising on the face. The surgery is called functional as its biggest objective is to restore the function of the sinuses and make breathing easier for the patient.
Diagnosis
Sinusitis is usually very apparent and easily diagnosed because of its distinctive symptoms such as postnasal drip, facial heaviness, pain and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, blocked nose, etc. However, a comprehensive diagnosis is necessary to determine a treatment plan, especially if the patient is not showing significant improvement through medical management.
Common diagnostic tests performed for sinusitis are :
Nasal endoscopy
Lab analysis of nasal and sinus discharge
Imaging tests like CT scan, X-ray, etc.
These tests help determine the cause of sinus infection and whether the patient has a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps that may be contributing to their condition.
Procedure
The procedure usually lasts for about 2 hours and most patients are discharged on the same day as the surgery. It is usually performed under local anesthesia to reduce the chances of anesthesia-related complications in the patient.
Once the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon inserts a nasal endoscope through the nose. The endoscope has a light, camera and surgical instruments attached to it that help the surgeon visualize the surgical field clearly and perform the surgery. When all the diseased and infected bone, cartilage tissue, polyps, etc., blocking the sinuses have been removed, the incision is closed using stitches and nasal packing.
You should follow the given instructions to prepare for sinus surgery and avoid both surgical and post-surgical related sinus complications:
Smoking often makes sinus issues worse and slows down the healing process, so if you have any sinus problems, you should stop smoking at least 3 weeks before the surgery.
Aspirin can increase the risk of hemorrhage during the surgery so you should avoid taking aspirin about 10 days before the surgery.
Confirm the type of anesthesia being used for your surgery with your doctor and ask them which precautions you are supposed to take.
Make sure you have someone with you who can drive you home afterward. Additionally, if you have any systemic health problems, get approval from your physician before the surgery and consult them regarding the painkillers you are supposed to take.
Arrange some time off of work immediately after the surgery as you won’t be able to work for at least 2-3 days after the surgery.
After the surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery room for observation, in severe cases, you may be kept for overnight observation, but most patients are discharged on the same day. You may have a little pain and discomfort, along with some nasal congestion and discharge for 2-3 weeks. During this period you should follow your surgeon’s instructions and take your prescription medicines without fail to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.
You will be able to resume your work, school, etc. within a week and most patient can even resume their normal routine within 3 weeks. For people with strenuous and physical jobs, this period may extend for 1-2 months. You should visit your ENT surgeon at Lotus Hospital Faridabad for postoperative consultations for at least 3-4 months to ensure there are no complications during recovery.
You may need FESS surgery if you have chronic or recurring severe sinus infection or inflammation that is not showing significant improvement even with maximum medical management, i.e., medical treatments such as antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines, home remedies, etc.
Another significant sign you need sinus surgery is if you have nasal/sinus polyps or if your sinus infection has spread to the surrounding structures like facial bones, eyes, tonsils, brain, etc. In these instances, immediate sinus surgery is required to mitigate the damage and prevent irreversible damage to the patient.
One of the biggest advantages of Functional Endoscopic Surgery is that it is a minimally invasive surgery that provides long-term relief from sinusitis without any facial/aesthetic damage to the patient. Since it is a conservative surgery, very little tissue is removed and the patient has minimal postoperative pain with very low chances of complications
You can follow the given tips to enhance your recovery after FESS:
Elevate your head using extra pillows to reduce postoperative bleeding and swelling, especially during the first 24 hours after the surgery.
Make sure that your nasal splint/packing material is not dislodged. Breathe through your mouth if your nose feels too blocked, but you cannot remove the splint/tissue packing.
Contact your ENT surgeon immediately in case there is too much bleeding or drainage from the surgical site.
Do not cough, sneeze or blow your nose for at least a week after the surgery. If sneezing is unavoidable, try to sneeze through your mouth.
Do not perform any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks or without approval from your ENT surgeon.
Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor, especially anti-inflammatories and antibiotics to avoid infection and swelling of the surgical area.
Visit your doctor for a follow-up consultation regularly to make sure that you are healing without any complications.
Best FESS Surgery Hospital in Faridabad
Generally, the cost of FESS ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000 depending on the medical condition of the patient and other relevant clinical factors.
Yes FESS is covered under insurance at Lotus Hospital Faridabad.
FESS surgery is very effective in relieving sinusitis symptoms as it directly targets the symptomatic areas. Since the surgery is performed using an endoscope, it is very precise.
FESS is generally a very safe technique. Since it is performed using an endoscope, the chances of operative injury to the surrounding tissues are rare. The success rate of the surgery is as high as 95%.
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