Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Chronic sinusitis, in which sinus inflammation persists for at least 3 months, is primarily treated with medication (medical) treatment. However, surgical treatment is applied in cases resistant to drug treatment.

One of the surgical intervention methods is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery; It is a minimally deep (invasive) surgical method performed with the aim of opening or expanding the flow paths between the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity using nasal endoscopes to restore the impaired ventilation of the sinuses. It is called “functional” because it aims to normalize the function of the sinuses.

Since the endoscopes are small and handy enough to pass through the nasal cavity, surgical intervention can be performed without the need for incision in the outer part of the face. Although the intervention is usually performed under general anesthesia, local or sedation anesthesia can also be used.

At the end of the operation, tampons, silicone splints with air holes that allow the patient to breathe or liquid absorbent material are placed in the nose, and there are also cases where no placement is made. In addition, when necessary, concha resection / reduction (nasal flesh removal / reduction), nasal cartilage / bone curvature (deviation) surgeries can be performed together with sinusitis surgery.

In Which Conditions is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Applied?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery; It is applied in cases of chronic sinusitis where sinus inflammation persists for at least 3 months, in cases where improvement cannot be achieved as a result of drug treatment with antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers and nasal sprays, or in cases where complaints recur after short-term improvement.

Since many factors cause sinusitis symptoms, the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis should be confirmed by endoscopic imaging and computer tomography and surgical intervention should be decided.

Are There Complications of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Following discharge on the day of the operation or the next day, you can usually return to normal life within 1-2 weeks. However, bloody discharges may be seen during this period, but the nose is not washed, mostly nasal spray, antibiotic drugs and painkillers are used. In the controls to be made by the doctor, the scar / scarring (scar / sclerosis) formed on the inside can be cleaned if deemed necessary. In every period of the healing process, the facial area should be protected from impacts and trauma should be prevented.