Introduction

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a procedure that is performed to treat sinusitis which has not been amenable to medical treatment. The procedure has improved dramatically over the last few decades and has evolved from a procedure that carried significant morbidity to a procedure that is now considered extremely safe.

Procedure

All patients who have a FESS need to have a general anaesthetic. Dr Robinson may need to utilise an image guidance machine to ensure that you have the latest “road map” to your sinuses.

The operation is performed via the nostril, utilising a rigid endoscope. Dr Robinson will open up all of your sinuses. At the same time if you have polyps or pus in your nose Dr Robinson will remove this as well.

Dr Robinson does not pack noses. Patients after they have had a FESS may have two splints in their nose which allows them to breathe through their nose. These splints are hollow and stay in for approximately 7 – 14 days when Dr Robinson will remove them in his rooms.

Postoperative Instructions

After the procedure, FESS patients need to use a saltwater douche in their nose until their nose has completely healed. This timeframe is often 3 months.

Dr Robinson will usually see you at approximately one week post-operatively to remove the splints in the nose. He will then see you again approximately 8 weeks after this to ensure that you have healed. If appropriate, Dr Robinson will see you again after this.

Related Information

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To discuss if functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is recommended for you, please make an appointment with Dr Dan Robinson.