Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (Also referred to as FESS), is a surgical procedure designated to treat diseases of the nose and Paranasal sinusesAir-filled spaces, communicating with the nasal cavity, within the bones of the skull and face. (Source: Wikipedia). The purpose of this procedure is to clean the patient's sinuses and restructure the patient's nasal cavity if needed.

There are four main sinuses that are treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery:

• Maxillary sinuses – Located in the upper jaw, on both sides of the nose under the eyes. These are the largest of the paranasal sinuses.
• Frontal sinuses – Located above the eyes, in the frontal bone (the forehead).
• Ethmoid sinuses – Located above the nose and between the eyes, within the ethmoid bone.
• Sphenoid sinuses – Located in the base of the skull, behind all the other sinuses, under the pituitary gland.

All four of these sinus types connect to the nose through small openings. Two of the sinuses' main functions are to heat the air we breathe in before it reaches our lungs and give our voice a tone with an echo.

Sinus Anatomy Video

When Will You Need Sinus Surgery

Inside our sinuses there is a constant production of mucus which is constantly pushed towards the nose and mouth and outside of our body. When this drainage of the mucus is disrupted, it starts to accumulate and may block the sinuses. The facial cavities that are blocked fill up with mucus and with time can develop an infection (sinusitis for instance). Chronic sinusitis is one reason to undergo sinus surgery in order to clean the infection and the accumulation of mucus.

The presence of nasal polypsA polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. are another reason to have this kind of surgery. When nasal polyps appear, they may block the sinus drainage system and once again, cause a blockage and infections. Once all medication prescribed by the physician fails to deal with the problem, sinus surgery will be proposed in order to remove the polyps.

Nasal Septum Deviation, a physical disorder of the nose, is another cause to undergo this kind of surgery. The displacement of the nasal septum can be caused by a hard hit to the nose or it can be congenital disorder. When the abnormal septum shape causes obstruction of the affected nasal passage, an operation will be required to treat the condition.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

As stated in its title, the surgery is performed with the use of an endoscope, an instrument with a tiny camera used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity, thus minimizing trauma to the skin. Once the instrument is inserted, the surgeon then begins to thoroughly clean the mucus (creating blockage and infections), remove existing polyps (a polypectomy) and straighten the nasal septum, if required. The surgeon may also take a biopsy of polyps during the operation, depending on the problem and extent of the surgery.

If you had a relatively minor FESS surgery, you may be released on the same day of the operation as local anesthetic will be applied. For more severe nasal operations, you may be be hospitalized for a period up to a week where the doctor will monitor you progress.

Upon release you will receive specific care orders and medication to continue the recovery period. Full recovery is expected within a month, as you will regain full use of the nasal functions (sense of smell, your regular voice, etc.)

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Abroad

When diagnosed with a sinus problem that requires sinus surgery, you will not want to hold up the treatment. TicketMed representatives will be happy to assist you in understanding your situation, exploring your options and scheduling surgery abroad. Contact us or simply ask for a quote.