SINUS SURGERY
PROCEDURE
What is Endoscopic sinus surgery?
Endoscopic sinus surgery, also known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and FESS for short, is a minimally invasive operation to treat severe sinus conditions. Studies indicate that over 80% of patients feel this procedure alleviated their sinus issues.
The sinuses are small, air-filled spaces in the front of the skull, located behind the cheekbones and forehead. They are connected to the inside of the nose and produce mucus, which usually drains into your nose through these small channels. Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membrane which becomes inflamed and swollen.
Symptoms of sinusitis include a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, and a build-up of mucus at the back of your nose and throat, which can often be very painful. Depending on the cause, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Treatment of sinusistis with topical nasal steroid sprays or drops is essential to treat the condition. If it is allergy-related, you may be prescribed medication such as antihistamines and advised to avoid allergy triggers. Polyps in the sinus and nasal passage may also occur in patients with sinusitis.
Sufferers often experience repeated episodes of painful sinusitis that are not resolved with medication. Patients with chronic sinusitis often feel their nose and face is constantly congested and that their nose is persistently dripping. It can have a significant impact on quality of life.
At this point, ENT specialist Mr Annakan Navaratnam may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery to widen the passages between the sinus and your nose Not only would this improve symptoms from the surgery itself, it will also facilitate delivery of medical treatment to ensure symptoms do not return.
What happens during endoscopic sinus surgery?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed either under a general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic and sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure and usually takes between one and two hours.
Mr Navaratnam will make incisions inside the nose so there will be no visible scarring afterwards. Using a nasal endoscope, a thin tube with a light and a lens, he will examine the nasal passages. Then, with specially designed instruments, remove any polyps if required and widen the passages to allow for normal draining.
At a glance
Surgery time
1 – 1.5 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Time off work
2 weeks
Hospital stay
Day case
Shower
After 1 day
Reasonable mobility
After 1 day
Exercise
After 2 weeks
Sleeping on back
2 weeks
Full recovery
3 weeks
Driving
5 days
What to expect
Here you will find some essential information to help you prepare for surgery and the arrangements you should make to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day. However, we are on hand to answer any questions you may have.
01. The consultation
The first stage is always a comprehensive consultation and pre-operative assessment with your surgeon Mr Annakan Navaratnam.
During the consultation, he will listen carefully to your concerns and desired outcomes, and recommend whether surgery is appropriate at this time. The potential risks, post-surgery expectations, and recovery details of the specific procedure will also be discussed. A detailed medical history will be obtained to ensure your fitness for surgery.
Examination of the nose will be performed during the consultation to assess the nasal structures and to evaluate for any presence of nasal disease. This will often involve a procedure called nasoendoscopy to examine the nasal passages and sinus openings.
A CT scan is often required as part of the assessment to help guide treatment and plan surgery
A two-week reflection period follows the initial consultation, during which you can return for additional consultations free of charge.
02. Preparing for surgery
If you decide to proceed, you’ll receive guidance on preparing for surgery. Pre-surgery tests may be required.
Mr Navaratnam will advise you on stopping smoking as far in advance of surgery as possible due to its impact on healing, infection risks, and complications during anaesthesia. Guidance on discontinuing blood-thinning medication and fasting before surgery will be provided
03. Day of the procedure
Upon arrival at hospital, you’ll be escorted to a private room, and vital signs will be assessed. Your surgeon will finalise markings, and the anaesthetist will visit you. Clinical photography will document the pre-op and post-op phases.
The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, followed by recovery in a specialist recovery room. Surgery can be performed as a day case so once you have recovered sufficiently you will be discharged into the care of a friend or family member.
04. Your recovery
Post-surgery pain varies for each individual, but most patients find it minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. It typically subsides within the first week or so along with any bruising.
A comprehensive recovery guide, including follow-up appointment dates. Our team will be on hand if you have any concerns.