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Agree toTerms and ConditionsFESS, or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, is a surgical procedure utilized to treat chronic sinusitis and other nasal-related conditions. This is a minimally invasive procedure which has become popular in recent years due to its faster recovery time, less complications, and improved patient outcomes.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, commonly known as FESS, is a procedure that involves the use of a nasal endoscope to restore sinus ventilation and normal function. The primary objective of FESS is to eliminate anatomical and pathological obstructions in the sinus drainage system which cause sinusitis symptoms and infections.
FESS offers numerous benefits, such as minimal scarring due to the procedure being performed entirely through the nostrils. Additionally, it leads to less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Most importantly, it allows for the preservation of normal anatomy, leading to better long-term sinus health.
Like any surgery, FESS does carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, and a change in sense of smell or taste. However, the surgeon's expertise and modern endoscopic techniques significantly minimize these risks.
Traditional FESS involves the removal of the infected sinus tissue and bone to open the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two post-operation.
In this procedure, a 3D image of the sinus anatomy is generated using CT scans. This image is used to guide the surgeon during the procedure, helping them navigate complex sinus anatomy and avoid damaging delicate structures like the eyes and brain.
Minimally invasive FESS involves the use of specialized instruments to remove polyps and other obstructions in the sinuses. This procedure is less invasive than traditional FESS, leading to faster recovery and less complications.
This recent advancement in FESS technology involves the use of a computer to provide real-time guidance during the procedure. This allows the surgeon to do the surgery with unprecedented precision, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
When a patient suffers from chronic sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment, FESS operation may be required. In this case, the inflammation is usually caused by an infection or growth in the sinuses (nasal polyps).
FESS operation is also required when nasal polyps, which are small, benign growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, become a problem. These polyps can block the sinuses and cause discomfort or breathing difficulties.
Another reason for FESS operation is the presence of sinus tumors. Although most sinus tumors are benign, some may be cancerous. FESS operation can remove these tumors and improve the patient's health and comfort.
Before FESS surgery, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary. This includes blood tests, physical examination, and possibly imaging tests like CT or MRI scans. These tests help the surgeon understand the patient's overall health and the exact nature of the sinus problem.
Patients may be asked to stop taking certain medications a week or two before surgery. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. The doctor will provide a detailed list of what drugs to avoid.
Patients are generally asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before surgery. This is to prevent complications during anesthesia.
Since patients may be groggy or disoriented after surgery, they should arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for the first 24 hours. They may also need help with daily activities for a few days after surgery.
Before the FESS surgery, the patient has to go through a consultation process with the surgeon. This is a crucial step as the surgeon explains the details of the procedure, its purpose, and potential risks and benefits.
A comprehensive checkup is conducted to assess the patient’s health status. This includes a complete physical examination and various laboratory tests. The medical history of the patient is also reviewed to understand any possible complications during the surgery.
The surgeon provides the patient with specific instructions to follow before the surgery. This usually includes fasting for several hours before the procedure and stopping certain medications.
Prior to the surgery, the anesthesia team meets with the patient to discuss the type of anesthesia to be used. In most cases, general anesthesia is used for FESS surgery which means the patient will be asleep during the operation.
The first step in the FESS operation is the administration of anesthesia. As mentioned above, the patient is typically under general anesthesia for this procedure.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon begins the operation. A small, thin telescope called an endoscope is inserted into the nose. This allows the surgeon to see the inside of the nose and sinuses clearly.
Using special surgical instruments, the surgeon will then remove the problematic tissues or polyps obstructing the sinuses. The goal is to improve sinus drainage while preserving as much as possible of normal tissue and function.
Once the problematic tissues are removed, the endoscope is carefully withdrawn. The surgeon may place temporary nasal packing or dressings in the nose to prevent bleeding and to promote healing.
The Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to make the patient comfortable and pain-free.
Next, the surgeon inserts a nasal endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light at the end, into the nostril to have a clear view of the sinus passages and nasal cavity.
Specialized instruments are then used to remove any polyps, scar tissues, or other obstructions in the sinus cavities, thereby improving sinus drainage.
At times, the surgeon may enlarge the natural sinus openings to facilitate better drainage. This is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t involve any incisions on the face.
After the FESS procedure, patients are usually discharged on the same day. However, they may experience some facial swelling, nasal congestion, and mild discomfort.
Patients should rest and avoid any strenuous activities for a few days post-surgery. They may also need to use a saline nasal spray to maintain moisture in the nasal passages and promote healing.
Regular follow-up appointments are vital for monitoring the healing process. During these visits, the surgeon may remove any remaining crusting or debris in the sinuses.
It is also important for patients to maintain good sinus hygiene post-surgery by avoiding smoking and allergens, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier.
As with any surgical procedure, the FESS procedure also carries certain risks and complications. These include potential bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia.
There is a small risk of damage to the surrounding structures such as the eyes and brain due to their close proximity to the sinuses. This could potentially lead to vision problems or brain fluid leak, although this is very rare.
In some cases, patients may continue to experience sinus infections even after surgery. There may also be a need for further surgical procedures in case of recurrent polyps or scar tissue formation.
Patients may also experience changes in their sense of smell or taste, although this is usually temporary.