What are the Steps of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

If you frequently get sinus infections, functional endoscopic sinus surgery may offer significant relief. The surgery is usually called endoscopic sinus surgery, but due to its high success rate in restoring normal sinus function, surgeons often refer to it as “functional.” FESS surgery in Mumbai is recommended for patients who do not get relief from antibiotics and antihistamines. In this post, we’ll walk you through a detailed guide on the steps of FESS.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

You need to see a sinus specialist in Navi Mumbai to learn everything about functional endoscopic sinus surgery. They will run tests, including a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and, in some cases, a CT scan, to get a clear picture of the severity of the sinus infection.

Depending on your case, your ENT surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. Here are a few common tips that apply to most cases:

• Do not smoke for 3-4 weeks before FESS. Smoking can make your sinus symptoms worse, which might make the surgery complicated and affect its success rate.
• Avoid blood thinners, like aspirin, before surgery. You must stop taking them 1 to 2 weeks before the procedure.
• Do not eat or drink anything a few hours before surgery, especially if general anesthesia is used.

The surgery mostly involves general anesthesia, but your doctor can make an exception depending on the extent of your disease.

Step-by-Step Surgical Procedure

Here’s what happens on the surgery day:

i) Anesthesia Administration:

The surgeon will administer general anesthesia that puts you to sleep throughout the procedure.

ii) Endoscope Insertion:

A decongestant is applied to clear the way and provide better visual access to the surgeon. They will then insert the endoscope (a tool with a light attached) into the nostril to get a clear view of the sinus openings.

iii) Uncinate:

In this step, the bone structure is removed to access the maxillary sinus. If you have nasal polyps, these will be carefully removed using a forcep.

iv) Restoring Natural Sinus Drainage:

Once the polyps and diseased tissues are removed, your sinuses will clear.

Post-Surgical Care

After surgery, you will be monitored for a few hours to ensure there’s no excessive bleeding or any complications from surgery. Make sure you arrange for a drive back home and have someone stay with you for the first night after surgery.

You will be advised to rinse your nose with saline water a day or two after surgery and do it 2-4 times a day to keep the area moist and reduce the risk of infection. This will clear the crusts and clots. Here are a few more:

• Do not blow your nose for at least a week or two.
• Do not indulge in heavy lifting or any strenuous physical activity until your surgeon gives a green light.
• Keep your head elevated when sleeping.

See your doctor immediately if you develop high-grade fever, persistent and severe bleeding, swollen eyes, intense eye pain, vision loss, and a clear fluid leakage from your nostrils. Follow up with your doctor to ensure your healing is going well.