Treatments We Provide

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

For patients suffering from severe or chronic sinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery can be an effective solution to clear your airways and relieve your symptoms with an outpatient procedure.

Male physician converses with patient in an ENT office prior to a procedure

What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a surgical procedure for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. It simply means using an endoscope — a device with a tiny camera attached — to guide the surgeon in widening the natural exits of the sinuses so that they can drain and not become blocked.
Young black woman places hands over sinuses and winces in pain

Why is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Performed?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a treatment option for patients suffering from chronic or recurrent sinusitis or sinus infections. The objective of this treatment, as with any sinusitis treatment, is to alleviate nasal airway obstruction and decrease inflammation. While some patients may respond to sinusitis treatments like antibiotics, allergy treatments, nasal sprays, or saline irrigation, others may require surgery if these methods are ineffective.
Woman physician uses scope to view nasal passages of young boy patient.

How is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Performed?

The goal of endoscopic sinus surgery is to expand the sinus drainage passages using a minimally invasive approach without external incisions. The procedure is designed to reduce tissue trauma and recovery time while addressing the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. When the drainage pathways of the sinuses are narrow, usually due to inflammation or other factors, the sinus cavities are unable to drain properly.

During endoscopic sinus surgery, a small fiber-optic telescope is utilized. This instrument, which resembles a tiny tube, can access the sinus cavities through the nostrils and remove any mucus membranes or protrusions that are obstructing proper drainage.

What Should I Expect After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgeries are generally performed as outpatient procedures with the use of general anesthesia, and the procedure usually takes 1-3 hours to complete. Following the surgery, patients may stay at the facility for about an hour for recovery.

After the procedure, patients may experience minor nosebleeds for a few days. To prevent this or reduce it, the nose may be packed. It is normal to feel more tired than usual for up to two weeks after the surgery, and congestion is a common sensation that should go away within one to two weeks.

Before the procedure, patients will receive detailed postoperative instructions that they should follow carefully.

For questions or concerns about the procedure or post-op care, please contact our office.

How Long Will the Results of the Endoscopic Surgery Last?

Several studies indicate that endoscopic sinus surgery can provide long-term benefits to most patients, with continued symptom relief lasting up to a year or more post-surgery. However, the likelihood of recurrence can be affected by various factors such as the patient’s overall health, working environment, and any other medical conditions they may have. Additionally, the sinuses may revert to their previous state after the procedure. If you are considering endoscopic sinus surgery, it’s important to discuss the potential outcomes with your doctor and explore ways to prolong the benefits of the procedure.

ENT Care You Can Depend On

You don’t have to live in discomfort or pain from your ENT or allergy disorder. Call our office to schedule an appointment.

Common ENT Conditions We Treat

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Sinus and Allergy

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