Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)

What is endoscopic sinus surgery?

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is an operation to treat sinus disease. The surgery opens up the sinuses to create a functional sinus cavity to improve how your sinuses drain and how air flows through your nose.

Why have this procedure?

Sinus surgery can relieve symptoms and treat various conditions affecting the sinus. It is usually only recommended after you have tried other options, like taking medication, which have not worked. Your ENT may recommend sinus surgery as treatment for nasal polyps, recurrent or chronic sinus infections or nasal tumours.

What is involved in this procedure?

Sinus surgery is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. It usually takes between 1-2 hours.

Your ENT surgeon will use an endoscope, a tiny camera with a light at the end, inserted through your nose to view the sinus tissues. Special instruments are then used to carefully remove what is causing your blocked sinuses. This may include swollen mucous membranes, nasal polyps and scar tissue. If needed, your surgeon may also straighten the cartilage that separates the nostrils (septum) and trim some of the bony structures inside the sinuses (turbinates).

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you will need to look after your sinuses to help clear any mucus and debris that build up using a saline wash. Your ENT surgeon will explain the best method and how often to do this. This will help prevent infection and keep the sinuses clear while you heal. As you recover, you may notice that your sense of smell improves and you can breathe more easily through your nose. Long term, you should experience fewer problems with infection.

Where will I have my surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery may be booked either as day surgery or you may stay in hospital overnight. If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital.