Is FESS surgery a solution to frequent sinus headaches? (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery - FESS) Let's talk.

Do you also often feel like your nose is blocked, you have difficulty breathing, and your head is heavy? Do you sometimes get a headache that feels like your head is pounding with a sharp pain coming from the inside of your face, under your eyes, and in your forehead? These are common symptoms of sinus problems that many people in our country have. Even taking medicine or spraying your nose, sometimes this trouble does not subside. In such a case, your doctor may tell you about a special surgery called FESS. So, let's find out more about this.

Simply put, what is FESS surgery?

FESS stands for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery . While the name may sound like a big deal, it's actually a very simple, minimally invasive procedure. It involves inserting a very fine camera and surgical instruments through your nostrils to fix problems in your sinus cavities.

Think of it like cleaning a blocked drain. The sinus cavities in our facial bones produce mucus-like secretions. These should drain out through the nose. But if these passages become blocked for any reason, the mucus builds up inside and causes infections. That's when the pain and headaches come.

What FESS surgery does is to reopen those blocked passages and help the sinus cavities to function properly again. That's why the word 'functional' is added to it. The biggest advantage of this is that there are no incisions made on the face or around the nose, so there are no visible scars. Everything is done from inside the nostrils.

In what cases is FESS surgery necessary?

Usually, when a sinus problem arises, the doctor first gives antibiotics or nasal sprays. Most of the time, they cure it. But some people do not get relief from these treatments. That's when you have to think about surgery.

You can get a clearer idea about this from the table below.

How should you prepare before surgery?

For the surgery to be successful, there needs to be some preparation on your part beforehand. Your doctor will explain this to you. But there are some general things to be aware of.

What actually happens during surgery?

You won't feel any pain during this surgery because you will be put under general anesthesia and put to sleep. Only then will the surgeon begin the work.

1. Nasal cleansing: First, a liquid medicine is placed inside the nose to reduce congestion and cleanse the sinus cavities.

2. Numbness: Then a numbing injection is injected into the nose.

3. Inserting the endoscope: Now a thin tube called a nasal endoscope is inserted. It has a small camera and a light at one end. The images from this are displayed on a large screen, so the doctor can see the inside of the nose and sinuses very clearly.

4. Removing obstructions: Using very fine surgical instruments that go with the endoscope, extra bone fragments, diseased tissue, or polyps that are blocking the sinus passages are carefully removed.

5. The End: When the procedure is finished, a nasal packing is sometimes placed inside the nose to absorb blood and secretions. However, this is not necessary for every surgery.

Typically, if surgery is performed on both sides of the nose, this can take about two or three hours .

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

The biggest advantage: being able to breathe freely again!

The main benefit of FESS surgery is that it relieves congestion in the sinus cavities, restores mucus flow and airflow. This makes it much easier for you to breathe. At the same time, the headaches and facial pain that have been bothering you for a long time also disappear. This greatly improves your quality of life. Although sometimes minor symptoms remain, most people feel a great deal of relief.

Let's also be aware of the risks.

As with any surgery, there are very small risks involved. But don't worry, the chances of these happening are very low. The only complications that can occur are if the surgery damages organs that are very close to the sinus cavities, such as the eyes and brain.

• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Double vision or visual impairment
• Excessive tearing from the eyes
• Excessive bleeding (including nosebleeds)
• Loss of sense of smell

What to expect after surgery?

After the surgery, you will be kept in a recovery room for a while, where you will be monitored. Before you go home, the doctor and nurses will give you instructions. It is normal to have a little nosebleed, a stuffy nose, and some discomfort for the first few days. Don't worry about it.

Take care of these things when you get home.

• Avoid scratching your nose: Do not scratch your nose vigorously for at least 7 days after surgery.
• Saline Rinse: Rinse your nose and sinuses with saline solution as recommended by your doctor. This will keep the inside clean and speed up the healing process.
• Open your mouth when sneezing: If you feel like sneezing, open your mouth and sneeze. This will reduce the pressure on your nose. In the first few weeks, you may experience some mucus and blood when you sneeze, which is normal.
• Avoid exercise: Stay away from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until your doctor gives you permission.
• Take your medication correctly: Take the medications you are prescribed (especially anti-inflammatory medications) at the right time and in the right way.

How long will it take to fully recover?

It may take a few months for you to feel completely recovered, but most people can return to work or school in about a week . They can resume normal daily activities within two weeks .

When do you want to see the doctor again?

You will have a follow-up appointment a few weeks after surgery. At that time, the doctor will examine the inside of your nose and clean out any dried mucus or blood that may be present.

FESS is a very safe and effective procedure for treating chronic sinus problems. If your doctor recommends this procedure, talk to your doctor about the benefits and expected results. Go into the procedure with confidence that this is the right treatment for you.