WHAT TO EXPECT:
BEFORE SURGERY
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) procedures are outpatient or day surgery, which means the patient can usually go home the same day as the procedure. They will need to make sure that there is a friend or family member who can drive them home after surgery.
They will meet with their healthcare team before the operation, who will answer any questions they may have. The anaesthesiologist will ask about their medical history and develop an anaesthesia plan. They will discuss the plan with the patient and answer any questions.
DURING SURGERY
FESS procedures are usually done under general anaesthesia. The procedure can last from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the patient's particular condition.
THE ETHMOIDECTOMY PROCEDURE
During an ethmoidectomy, the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon passes a narrow tube called an endoscope into the nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has a good view of the ethmoid sinuses.
Small surgical instruments are then passed to the site of the problem through another thin tube. With these instruments, the surgeon opens the ethmoid sinus cavity to improve drainage into the nasal airway.
THE MAXILLARY ANTROSTOMY PROCEDURE
During a maxillary antrostomy, the ENT surgeon passes a narrow tube called an endoscope into the nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has a good view of the maxillary sinus, the opening to the maxillary sinus, and the area of the nose where it drains (the osteomeatal complex). Then small surgical instruments are passed to the site of the problem through another thin tube.
Using these instruments, the ENT doctor removes the blockage in the maxillary sinuses. This helps the fluid in the maxillary sinuses drain more efficiently.
THE POWERED SEPTOPLASTY WITH TURBINPLASTY PROCEDURE
During a powered septoplasty with turbinoplasty surgery, the ENT surgeon passes a narrow tube called an endoscope into the nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has a good view of the septum and turbinates. Small surgical instruments are passed to the site of the problem through another thin tube.
With these instruments, the surgeon corrects the deviation in the septum and reduces the enlarged turbinates. This procedure removes the blockage in the nose to help the patient breathe more freely and improve drainage.
AFTER SURGERY
Immediately after surgery, the patient will be in a recovery room and monitored for about one hour. This is to make sure there are no complications. If they are doing well, they can usually leave the hospital the same day.
Before the patient leaves the hospital, they will get important instructions on how to care for their nose and sinuses while they heal, and when to return for a follow-up visit. The doctor may also give them several prescriptions, including one for pain medication, in case they need it.
If a patient has any questions or concerns before and after their FESS procedure, they should ask the doctor.