Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that helps open blocked sinuses and improve breathing. During this treatment, an ENT doctor uses a thin camera (endoscope) to look inside your nose and gently clear the blockage—without making any cuts on the outside. This surgery helps people who have chronic sinusitis, constant nasal blockage, frequent infections, sinus headaches, or nasal polyps. It is safe, effective, and provides long-term relief. FESS also heals faster and has fewer complications compared to older, traditional sinus surgeries.

Sinus surgery is a medical procedure done to open blocked sinuses and help them drain properly. When the sinus passages become swollen, infected, or filled with mucus or polyps, breathing becomes difficult and infections keep coming back. Sinus surgery fixes this by clearing the blockage inside the nose using special instruments.

Performed By

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is performed by an experienced ENT surgeon, particularly specialists in:

• Nose and sinus treatment

• Sinus infection treatment

• Chronic sinusitis surgery

• Nasal polyps removal

At ORL International Hospital – Best ENT Hospital in Delhi, our sinus care specialists use advanced endoscopic and navigation-guided systems for safe, precise, and effective results.

Why It’s Done

ENT surgeons recommend FESS when:

• Medicines are not improving chronic sinus infection

• You have nasal blockage affecting breathing

• Sinus drainage is poor due to swelling or polyps

• You experience frequent facial pressure and headaches

• CT scan shows blocked sinus pathways

• There's persistent nasal discharge or foul smell

• Balloon sinuplasty or other treatments failed

Types of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Different techniques are chosen depending on the severity of the sinus condition:

1. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Standard approach to open blocked sinus pathways and improve drainage.

2. Balloon Sinuplasty

A minimally invasive technique using a small balloon to widen blocked sinus openings without removing tissue.

3. Nasal Polyps Removal Surgery

Removal of soft tissue growths inside the nose that block airflow and cause repeated infections.

4. Endoscopic Septoplasty

Correction of a deviated septum using endoscopic instruments.

5. Endoscopic Turbinate Reduction

Shrinking enlarged turbinates to improve breathing.

Indications for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

FESS is recommended for:

• Chronic sinusitis (3+ months)

• Recurrent sinus infections

• Nasal polyps

• Persistent nasal discharge

• Blocked sinuses due to anatomical issues

• Sinus pressure and headaches

• Difficulty breathing

• Fungal sinus infections

• Failed medical treatment

Contraindications for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Not suitable for:

• Uncontrolled bleeding disorders

• Severe medical conditions preventing anesthesia

• Acute, uncontrolled infections

• Patients who do not follow postoperative care instructions

• Poor general health where surgery may increase risk

Do’s & Don’ts Before and After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Table

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery vs Rhinoplasty Surgery

Risks

While generally safe, risks may include:

• Minor bleeding

• Nasal dryness

• Infection (rare)

• Temporary nasal congestion

• Scar tissue formation

• Reduced sense of smell (temporary)

Benefits

• Long-term relief from sinus infections

• Better breathing

• Improved sinus drainage

• Fewer headaches and facial pressure

• Reduced nasal discharge

• Removal of nasal polyps

• Minimal pain and quick healing

Advantages of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

• No external cuts or scars

• Faster recovery compared to traditional surgery

• Highly precise visualization

• Treats complex sinus issues effectively

• Boosts overall nasal and sinus function

• Performed as a day-care procedure

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive treatment used to open blocked sinuses, improve airflow, and remove nasal polyps. ENT surgeons use a thin endoscope to clear sinus pathways without any external cuts. It helps treat chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, repeated infections, and breathing problems. FESS is safe, effective, and offers long-term relief with faster healing and fewer complications compared to traditional sinus surgeries.