TreatmentNose and sinus
Endoscopic sinus surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery opens blocked sinus pathways using a small camera and instruments through the nostrils. It may help when confirmed sinus disease continues despite appropriate medical treatment.
ENT care in Bandra, MumbaiAbout Dr Adip Shetty
- Also called
- FESS: functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
- Before surgery
- Nasal examination and usually a CT scan.
- After surgery
- Rinses, follow-up and often nasal medicines continue.
When is sinus surgery useful?
It may be considered for persistent sinus inflammation or nasal polyps when suitable medicines have not helped enough. The symptoms, examination and scan should agree about what needs treatment.
What the operation does
Usually under a general anaesthetic, the surgeon widens the affected sinus openings and removes obstructing tissue where needed. Most procedures are done inside the nose without an external cut. The extent varies from one person to another.
Recovery and follow-up
Congestion, crusting and a little blood-stained discharge are common early on. Many people need about one to two weeks off work, with longer for strenuous work. Follow-up may include cleaning and checking healing. Use rinses and sprays as directed; use sterile, distilled or boiled-and-cooled water for rinses.
Risks and limits
Bleeding, infection, scarring and continued symptoms are possible. Rare serious risks include injury around the eye, vision changes or a leak of fluid from around the brain. Polyps can return, and improvement in smell is not guaranteed.
When to seek help after surgery
Heavy bleeding, swelling around the eye, new vision changes, a severe headache or continuous clear watery drainage needs urgent medical assessment.
A note on your care
“Planning sinus surgery also means planning the weeks afterwards. You should know how to care for your nose, when we will check it and which treatments may still be needed.”
A little more clarity
Common questions
General answers, so you can arrive with a clearer sense of what to ask.
Does surgery cure sinusitis permanently?
It improves drainage and access for medicines, but ongoing inflammation may still need treatment. Follow-up is part of the plan.
Will there be a scar on my face?
The usual approach is through the nostrils. Your surgeon will explain if your case needs any different access.
When can I go back to exercise?
Strenuous activity is usually paused during early healing. Ask for a date based on the extent of your surgery and your recovery.
Can surgery help every sinus headache?
No. Migraine and other causes can feel like sinus pain. Surgery is useful only when the assessment identifies sinus disease likely to explain the symptoms.
Sources and review
Updated . General information to help you prepare for a consultation. Information on this website does not replace a consultation.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Adip Shetty on .
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