Are you also tired of having a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, and a heavy head? No matter how many medications and nasal sprays you use for sinus problems, it doesn't work? Sometimes, when these sinus problems persist, doctors recommend surgical removal of the cause. FESS is a very successful and safe surgery that is performed at such times. Let's talk about this simply today.
Simply put, what is FESS surgery?
The full name of FESS is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery . This is a minimally invasive surgery for sinus-related conditions. "Minimally invasive" here means that this surgery is performed without making large incisions and using very small instruments.
Imagine, the doctor performs this surgery entirely from inside your nose. That means, there are no cuts made on your face or around your nose. So there are no visible scars . In this, a very thin, camera-equipped tube (we call this a Nasal Endoscope ) is inserted into your nose and the doctor performs the surgery while watching the images on a monitor. The blockages inside the nose are removed using very small surgical instruments that pass through that tube.
Who needs FESS surgery?
Normally, when your sinuses don't drain properly, mucus (like mucus) builds up and becomes blocked. This can cause stuffy nose, pain, and difficulty breathing. This is often treated with antibiotics or nasal sprays. However, if those treatments don't help, your doctor may recommend FESS surgery.
You may want to consider this surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:
| Medical condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Chronic sinusitis | A chronic sinus infection that lasts for months and is not cured by medication. |
| Recurrent sinus infections | If you feel better for a few days after taking the medicine, then your sinus problems recur frequently. |
| Nasal polyps | Soft, painless, fleshy growths inside the nose or sinus cavities. These can cause nasal congestion. |
| Tumors or abnormal cells in the sinuses | This surgery is sometimes used to remove noncancerous or cancerous tumors. |
| Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leak | It is also used to stop some abnormalities or leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the base of the skull. |
How do you prepare before surgery?
Your doctor will explain exactly what you need to do before the surgery, but in general, you will need to be careful about these things.
- Quitting smoking: You should completely stop smoking at least three weeks before surgery. Smoking can worsen your sinus symptoms and hinder the healing process.
- Stop taking medications like aspirin: Avoid taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin for at least seven days before surgery. These medications can increase bleeding during and after surgery. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
- Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of surgery. This is to prevent complications that may occur during general anesthesia.
- Someone to drive you home: You will not be able to drive yourself after surgery, so it is essential to arrange in advance for someone to drive you home.
What happens during the surgery?
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are put into a deep sleep. So you won't feel any pain .
1. First, the doctor will anesthetize you.
2. Next, a decongestant is applied to the nose to remove mucus.
3. An injection is given to numb the area around the nose.
4. Then, the thin tube (endoscope) with the camera attached is carefully inserted into the nose.
5. Small instruments are passed through it to remove excess tissue, bone fragments, or polyps that are blocking the sinuses.
After surgery, the nose may sometimes be filled with a special material (packing material) to absorb blood or other secretions. However, this is not necessary for every surgery. The surgery usually takes about two to three hours.
What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?
FESS surgery is a very safe and successful method used as a standard worldwide for treating sinus problems.
The main benefit of this surgery is that it unblocks the sinus cavities and restores airflow and drainage. This makes it easier for you to breathe and improves your quality of life. Although some symptoms may remain, most people experience significant relief.
As with any surgery, there are very small risks, but these occur very rarely.
- Excessive nosebleeds.
- Double vision or loss of vision (very rare).
- Excessive tears from the eyes.
- Loss of sense of smell.
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak.
According to a recent study, even the most commonly reported complication, excessive bleeding, only occurs in a very small number of cases, about 3 out of 100 surgeries . So don't worry unnecessarily about this. You can talk to your doctor about this and find out more.
What do you do after the surgery?
After surgery, you will be kept in a recovery room for a while, where you will be closely monitored. Before you go home, your doctor will explain what to expect in the next few days. For example, it is normal to have some bleeding, a stuffy nose, and some discomfort for a few days.
Here are the things you need to follow during your recovery:
- Don't pick your nose for at least a week .
- Rinse your nose and sinuses with saline solution recommended by your doctor.
- When sneezing, open your mouth and sniff . This will reduce the pressure on your nose. When sneezing, you may experience bloody or mucous discharge, which is normal.
- Avoid exercising or lifting weights until your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Take medications as prescribed (e.g., antibiotics).
How long does it take to fully recover?
It may take a few months for you to feel completely healed, but most people are able to return to their normal activities (school, work) within a week or two .
Take-Home Message
- FESS is a highly successful, safe, and modern surgery for chronic sinus problems.
- In this procedure, no incisions are made on the outside of the face, but rather the surgery is performed from inside the nose, so there are no scars left.
- It is very important to quit smoking and follow medical advice before surgery.
- Follow the instructions carefully, such as avoiding nose picking during recovery after surgery.
- If your symptoms return after they improve, or if you have other problems, see your doctor immediately. Feel free to ask him or her any questions you have about this surgery.
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