Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is the use of cameras and specialised nasal instrument to treat disease of the nose and sinuses.   

What does FESS surgery involve?

Before the Surgery:

  • Blood thinners; Please notify your surgeon if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication (anticoagulants/antiplatelets), vitamins or herbal supplements. These medications will need to be ceased prior to your surgery.

  • Fasting; To ensure the anaesthetic is as safe as possible, patient are required to fast (both solids & liquids) for at least 6 hours before their operation. The fasting times will be confirmed the day before the procedure. 

FESS Surgery:

  • Once asleep, cameras and specialised nasal instruments are placed through the nostril. The aim of the operation is to remove disease from and improve access to the nasal sinuses. There will be no visible incisions, bruising or cosmetic changes.

After the Surgery:

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

  • When you wake up; Patients will wake up in the recovery room and are often still drowsy from the anaesthesia. It will take several hours for the medication effects to wear off. A canula will be used to provide pain relief and fluids whilst you are still recovering. Often a patient’s nose will feel blocked in the initial days after the operation.

  • Diet; Patients are encouraged to eat and drink as soon as possible.

  • Pain relief; Severe pain is uncommon after this procedure. All patients will be given pain relief and a pain plan prior to discharge.

  • Bleeding; A post-operative bleed can occur during the recovery from this procedure. Although the risk of a bleed is low, urgent medical attention is required if it occurs. A bleeding plan will be provided to the patient prior to their discharge from hospital

How long is the recovery after FESS surgery?

Patients can generally return to work 5-7 days after the procedure. Patients will continue to be followed up for a minimum of 12 weeks after the procedure. 

Post-operative care following FESS Surgery

Patients are often required to regularly rinse their nose in the weeks and months following the procedure. Instructions on how to do this effectively will be provided to all sinus surgery patients.