What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

The sinuses are typically responsible for helping to drain mucus and other fluid. When someone gets a cold, sometimes the cold can develop into a sinus infection. Unlike these mild infections, however, chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses are chronically unable to drain and, in turn, swell and become infected. People with allergies or asthma are more prone to develop this condition. While treatment typically depends on the underlying cause, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is one treatment option for chronic sinus infections.

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery

FESS vs other sinus surgery

People who struggle with chronic sinus infections may be candidates for sinus surgery. The primary way that functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) differs from other surgeries is in the use of an endoscope. Typically, using the endoscope to see inside the nasal cavity and sinuses can bypass the need for an incision. This method of surgery allows for better visualization of the sinuses and can give surgeons a more unobstructed view of the problem.

What to expect

Before surgery, patients will need to stop taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 5 days and not eat or drink anything on the day of surgery. In some cases, the surgeon will prescribe steroids or antibiotics before the procedure.

During surgery

FESS is typically a simple procedure, and patients experience little to no discomfort. The operation can be done with some anesthesia, either local or general. The surgeon uses the endoscope and tiny instruments to remove diseased or obstructed tissue in the nasal passage and sinuses. Most patients stay awake during surgery. FESS can usually be done as an outpatient procedure.

Recovery time

Patients can expect some bloody postnasal discharge to occur for about 2 weeks after surgery. For the first 4-7 days, patients should avoid blowing the nose. Typically, surgery patients will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon in weekly intervals after the procedure until the area heals. During these visits, the surgeon can remove scar tissue and monitor healing.

Will surgery cure my sinus infections?

While patients may still get a sinus infection after having the surgery, the frequency significantly diminishes in most cases. Patients who had allergies or polyps that played a role in the chronic sinusitis may still need to take medications to prevent a recurrence.

Are there other treatment options?

Surgery is typically a last resort for any condition. Before surgery, most ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists will recommend nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and provide symptom relief. Some patients may also benefit from a saline spray or nasal irrigation treatment to flush out the sinuses. For more information about chronic sinus infections and treatment options, speak with a healthcare provider.

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“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”

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“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

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