The natural sinus drainage pathways are enlarged for better drainage and ventilation

 


THE PROCEDURE

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (known as FESS) aims to open and widen the natural sinus drainage pathways into the nose. It is performed under general anaesthetic as a day case. The procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes.

A small endoscope is inserted into the nose and the sinus drainage pathways are opened with a powered instrument called a microdebrider. This minimises trauma to the lining of the nose, thus reducing pain and bleeding.

 


AFTERCARE

Small nasal dressings are usually left inside the nose for 2 hours and removed before the patient goes home. Steroid nose drops and antibiotics are usually prescribed afterwards.

Patients are advised to take 2 weeks off work.  It is not advised to fly until at least 4-6 weeks after surgery.

It is usually necessary to continue to take a regular steroid nasal spray long term after surgery.


Book an appointment