WHAT TO EXPECT:
BEFORE SURGERY
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) procedures are outpatient or day surgery, which means you can usually go home the same day as your procedure. Make sure you have a friend or family member who can drive you home after surgery.
You'll meet with your healthcare team before the operation, and they'll answer any questions you may have. The anesthesiologist will ask about your medical history and develop an anesthesia plan. He or she will discuss the plan with you and answer your questions.
DURING SURGERY
FESS procedures are usually done under general anesthesia. The procedure can last from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your particular condition.
THE ETHMOIDECTOMY PROCEDURE
During an ethmoidectomy, your Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon passes a narrow tube called an endoscope into your nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has an excellent view of your ethmoid sinuses.
Small surgical instruments are then passed to the site of the problem through another thin tube. With these instruments, your 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 your nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has an excellent view of your 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, your ENT doctor removes the blockage in your maxillary sinuses. This helps the fluid in your maxillary sinuses drain more efficiently and should reduce your chances of getting sinus infections in the future.
THE POWERED SEPTOPLASTY WITH TURBINPLASTY PROCEDURE
During a powered septoplasty with turbinoplasty surgery, your ENT surgeon passes a narrow tube called an endoscope into your nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has an excellent view of your septum and turbinates. Small surgical instruments are passed to the site of the problem through another thin tube.
With these instruments, your surgeon corrects the deviation in your septum and reduces the enlarged turbinates. This procedure removes the blockage in your nose to help you breathe more freely and improve drainage.
AFTER SURGERY
Immediately after surgery, you'll be in a recovery room and monitored for about one hour. This is to make sure there are no complications. If you're doing well, you can usually leave the hospital the same day.
Before you leave the hospital, you'll get important instructions on how to care for your nose and sinuses while they heal, and when to return for a follow-up visit. Your doctor may also give you several prescriptions, including one for pain medication, in case you need it.
If you have any questions or concerns before and after your FESS procedure, be sure to ask your doctor.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.