Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure that’s used to unblock the sinus openings. It restores sinus ventilation and normal function, alleviating the discharge, pain and pressure caused by blocked sinuses.
The most suitable candidate for this procedure is a patient who has recurrent acute sinusitis (two to four sinus infections per year with at least eight weeks in between) or chronic sinusitis (infection lasting for at least 12 weeks, despite attempts to treat it).
An improvement in symptoms of up to 90 percent may be expected following the procedure.
In this blog, Houston Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) Dr. Cecil Yeung will describe what’s involved with FESS and also explain who is a good candidate for this treatment.
What is functional endoscopic sinus surgery?
FESS is defined as surgery of the sinus through the vision of an endoscope. This special instrument allows the doctor to see a magnified, lighted view of your sinus openings in order to see what’s causing your issues.
It’s a treatment for patients with sinus problems that have not responded well to other treatments, such as nasal sprays and oral medication. FESS is one of the most effective ways to treat sinusitis, which is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses that can result in ongoing symptoms.
The goal of FESS is to remove any tissue that’s preventing normal drainage through the sinuses, effectively opening up the passages to achieve long-term relief.
Am I a candidate for functional endoscopic sinus surgery?
People who have chronic sinusitis that has not responded well to medication and other conservative treatments are good candidates for this procedure.
If you suffer from the following conditions, you may be a good candidate for FESS:
- A deviated septum (a crooked or off-center septum that divides your nasal cavity in half)
- Nasal polyps (a non-cancerous growth on the lining of your nose or sinuses)
- Enlarged nasal turbinates (paired structures located within the nasal cavity). Also called turbinate hypertrophy.
- Persistent nasal congestion and discolored drainage from the nose
- Chronic sinus headaches
- Chronic sore throat and hoarseness
- Having at least four cases of acute sinusitis within one year
What is involved with functional endoscopic sinus surgery?
FESS is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. It involves inserting an endoscope (a small camera on a thin lighted tube) through the nostril and up through the nasal passages in order to examine the sinus openings and any problem areas up close with great detail.
Specialized medical instruments will then be inserted through the nostril to enlarge the sinus openings. This is done by carefully and precisely removing or correcting any issues that are causing obstruction and interfering with drainage.
After proper healing, the sinus opening will be enlarged and free from blockage, effectively restoring normal sinus drainage.
By utilizing an endoscope, the surgeon is able to precisely view and access the areas needed. This results in the removal of less tissue, and there is also less bleeding. It makes recovery much easier, since patients will have a minimal amount swelling and discomfort after the procedure. Most patients can return home the same day as their surgery and resume normal activities with 7-10 days.
Where can I have the functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the Houston area?
The Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute is dedicated to helping patients breathe deeply and live fully – free from sinusitis symptoms and nasal obstruction.
If you’re struggling with troublesome sinus problems and symptoms like pressure, pain, and headaches, schedule an appointment today. Houston-based ENT doctor and top functional endoscopic sinus surgeon Cecil Yeung has over 20 years of experience providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for the issues that cause chronic sinusitis.
Dr. Yeung is known for his precise surgical techniques and high success rate. He has performed over 4,000 sinus surgeries and has a surgery redo rate that is 0-1% – a number that’s well under the national average of 30%.
Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward long-lasting relief from your sinus symptoms.
