Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is the gold standard currently for the surgical treatment of sinusitis. It simply means widening the natural exits of the sinuses so that they can drain and do not become blocked.

What is Sinusitis?

We have very large sinuses with very small exits. When those exits become inflamed by infection, allergy, or other irritation, they can narrow even further to the point that they are completely blocked. Mucus is trapped and bacteria can then grow in the trapped space causing further inflammation, pressure, pain, fever, etc.

Sinusitis Treatment

All treatment for sinusitis is geared toward improving the mucociliary clearance. Antibiotics treat the infection, but also reduce the inflammation they cause allowing the exits to widen and the sinuses to drain appropriately. Nasal sprays try to decrease inflammation around those same exits. Nasal saline irrigation tries to remove the irritants that cause inflammation within the nose. Surgery is just the next step.

Ideal Candidate for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Any patient with recurrent or chronic sinusitis is a potential candidate for sinus surgery. Surgery is rarely a necessary requirement to treat sinusitis. Usually, it is an option that is available among a spectrum of choices. For most patients, medical therapy can control or resolve their sinus problems, allergy treatment can do the same. For those who fail to respond to these more conservative options, surgery is the next possible step.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are suffering from Chronic Sinusitis problems and would like to find out if endoscopic sinus surgery is the best option for you, call our practice today at 972.984.1050 to schedule an evaluation. ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas serves McKinney, Plano, Allen and surrounding areas in Texas.