SINUS SURGERY
WHAT IS ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (often abbreviated to FESS) is a treatment option for people suffering from either acute or chronic sinusitis. It is usually reserved for cases where medical management has not been successful. It aims to open up the sinuses, reducing the chance of further infections, and allowing nasal sprays to act more effectively.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and uses telescopes and fine instruments to widen the natural openings of the sinuses. The extent of the surgery depends upon which sinuses are affected. If nasal polyps are present, these will be removed at the same time. The operation usually takes around 40 minutes and at the end of the procedure dissolvable packs are placed within the nose to help stop bleeding. Most patients will go home the same day.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS?
Sinus surgery is not particularly painful, and simple paracetamol should be sufficient to relieve the slight discomfort in the first few days after the operation. Almost all patients will experience some nasal discharge following the surgery. This may be blood-stained, but it should settle down after 48 hours. Patients are encouraged to use nasal rinses and a nasal steroid spray after the operation.
Further information on endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) from ENT UK is available here.