What is FESS and Is It Right for You?

What is FESS

Sinus problems can be a real pain, both figuratively and literally. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you may be considering surgery to help improve your quality of life. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can treat a variety of sinus conditions. This procedure has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits compared to other approaches. In this blog post, we will discuss what FESS is and why it is beneficial. We will also explain how the surgery is performed and how to know if it is right for you.

What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

FESS is performed with the use of an endoscope

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a variety of sinus conditions. The goal of this surgery is to improve sinus drainage and relieve symptoms such as congestion, facial pain, and difficulty breathing. This procedure is typically performed using an endoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera attached. This allows the surgeon to see inside the sinus cavity and remove any blockages or obstructions.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will insert an endoscope and surgical tools through the nasal passages. The endoscope will be used to visualize the treatment area, while the surgical tools will be used to remove any blockages or obstructions such as bone, diseased tissue, or nasal polyps. The sinus cavities will then be flushed out to remove bacteria. Once the surgery is complete, temporary (dissolvable) nasal packing will be placed in your nose to absorb excess fluid. After surgery, you will wake up in recovery where you will remain until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

Why is FESS Beneficial?

There are many benefits associated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery. First, this procedure is minimally invasive, which means there is less tissue damage and a shorter recovery time compared to other approaches. Second, this surgery is very effective at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients. In fact, 80-90% of FESS procedures are successful in solving chronic sinus problems. Finally, the use of an endoscope allows the surgeon to get a clear view of the sinus cavity, which helps ensure that all obstructions are removed without the need for open surgery.

How Do I Know if FESS is Right for Me?

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis and other treatments have not been effective, you may be a good candidate for FESS. You may also be a good candidate for the procedure if you have nasal polyps that are contributing to your sinus problems or nasal congestion. This procedure is typically only recommended for patients who have tried other treatments without success. If you are considering FESS, it is important to discuss your options with your doctor to ensure that this is the right procedure for you.

In Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We have explained what the surgery entails, why it is beneficial compared to other approaches, and how it is performed. We have also explained how to know if this procedure is right for you. FESS may be a great option for patients suffering from chronic sinusitis. If you have tried other treatments without success, talk to your doctor about whether FESS is right for you. This minimally invasive procedure can provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life.

Lee A. Kleiman a doctor at Anne Arundel ENT

Dr. Lee A. Kleiman is a double board certified ENT & plastic surgeon at Anne Arundel ENT in Annapolis, Maryland known for his superior clinical outcomes in all Surgical and Non-Surgical ENT, specializing in Sinus Care, Voice and Swallowing, Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty, and Facelifts and Non-surgical Aesthetic. He also continues to attend conferences internationally and nationally to keep abreast of the latest treatments and technology.