FESS: Taking The Pain From Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a common condition which occurs when the sinuses become swollen and inflamed for a minimum of twelve weeks despite attempts at treatment. It can be caused by an infection, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is designed to alleviate the symptoms of chronic sinusitis when other treatments have failed. Before undergoing FESS, patients should understand the procedure and the possible complications.
Under the knife: what to expect from FESS
FESS is a minimally invasive procedure involving the use of endoscopes (small telescopic cameras) to examine the nose and sinus cavities. This not only allows the surgeon to diagnose the condition properly but also to perform very precise surgery without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. FESS allows the surgeon to view all four sinus cavities and remove tissue to alleviate the condition. Frequently, this type of surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.
The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthetic. The operation can take anywhere between two and four hours; this will depend on the extent of the surgery that is required. The nose may feel congested for two or three days after surgery, and mild pain can be treated with over-the-counter analgesics. If the surgery also involved septum repair, the patient may require nose splints for up to one week.
Staying informed: FESS risks and complications
FESS does involve some risks and potential complications. These include infection, bleeding, double vision (this usually only lasts for an hour or two after surgery), leakage of brain fluid into the nasal cavity, blindness, and risk of meningitis. Although FESS surgery does provide long-term relief from chronic sinusitis, it only corrects areas that are damaged by the disease. People who have recurrent chronic sinusitis may need to repeat the surgery in the future.
Opting out: alternatives to FESS
People who are looking for a non-invasive alternative to FESS often choose balloon sinuplasty. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into the opening of the sinus and inflated to open up the cavity. This relatively new technique is already showing promise for mild sinus disease. In cases of severe sinus disease, it is sometimes used alongside FESS. The risks are the same but somewhat lower than in FESS. People who suffer from chronic sinusitis for a period of twelve weeks or more may be suitable candidates for FESS. If the disease is not too severe, balloon sinuplasty may be a possible alternative.
Recent Posts
What Is Included In A Physical Therapy Assessment For Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
A physical therapy assessment helps develop a post-op plan. This test covers grip strength, sensation, and much more.
Tired Of Your Ankles Giving Out? Schedule Outpatient Ankle Stabilization
A previous ankle sprain or injury can cause the joint to repeatedly give way. Outpatient ankle stabilization surgery may be the answer.
Permanent Allergies: When To Say Yes To Nasal & Sinus Surgery
Can an allergy become permanent? Chronic nasal and sinus inflammation can lead to permanent allergies, which may require surgery.
How Long Do I Need To Go To Physical Therapy After My ACL Surgery?
After ACL surgery, physical therapy is necessary to achieve full recovery. Most patients require 6-9 months of PT to strengthen the knee.
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“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 friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“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.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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 ”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“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 ”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“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.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
