Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a specialized procedure used to treat nasal polyposis or recurrent sinusitis, commonly known as chronic bronchitis. Surgeons perform this procedure under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety.
The FESS Procedure
The key instrument in FESS is the endoscope, a slender, rod-shaped device with a diameter of no more than 4 millimeters. Equipped with a light source at one end, the endoscope provides a highly detailed view of the nasal passages through a series of lenses, ensuring that all corners of the nose are clearly visible. Effective fiber optic lighting enhances the clarity of these close-up images of the nasal structures. Once the surgeon thoroughly examines the area, they use specially designed tools with suction debrides to widen the nasal apertures. They carefully remove any obstructions, such as enlarged mucosa or polyps. In some cases, surgeons combine functional endoscopic sinus surgery with other procedures like septoplasty and turbinate reduction to achieve optimal results.
Indications for FESS
FESS effectively treats various conditions, making it the most common surgery for sinus disease. It treats:
- Persistent Sinusitis: Chronic inflammation of the sinuses that does not respond to other treatments.
- Recurrent Sinusitis: Sinus infections that keep coming back, causing significant discomfort and health issues.
- Nasal Polyps: Noncancerous growths in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses that can cause blockages and breathing difficulties.
- Antrochoanal Polyps: These polyps originate in the maxillary sinuses and extend into the nasal cavity.
- Nasal Mucoceles: Mucus-filled cysts that can obstruct sinus drainage.
- Tumor Removal: Certain benign or malignant tumors in the nasal or sinus cavities.
- CSF Leak Repair: Addressing cerebrospinal fluid leaks, which can occur from trauma or surgery.
- Orbital Decompression: Particularly in cases of Graves’ ophthalmopathy, where the eye muscles swell and push the eye forward.
- Optic Nerve Decompression: Relieving pressure on the optic nerve to prevent or treat vision problems.
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): Creating a new tear drainage pathway between the eyes and the nasal cavity.
- Choanal Atresia Repair: Correcting congenital blockages of the nasal passages.
- Foreign Object Removal: Extracting objects lodged in the nasal or sinus cavities.
- Epistaxis Management: Controlling severe nosebleeds that do not respond to other treatments.
Conclusion
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery provides significant relief and improved quality of life for patients suffering from chronic sinus issues. By effectively treating the underlying causes of sinus disease, FESS helps restore normal sinus function, reduce symptoms, and prevent recurrence. This minimally invasive procedure, combined with the expertise of skilled surgeons and advanced medical facilities in India, ensures high-quality outcomes at an affordable cost. Consequently, it remains a preferred choice for patients worldwide seeking effective sinus treatment.
