What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove blockages in the sinus cavities and restore natural drainage. Chronic sinusitis often develops when the mucous membranes inside your sinuses swell and narrow, trapping mucus and causing pain, congestion and difficulty with breathing.
During FESS, one of our Minneapolis-based ENT surgeons uses a thin, flexible endoscope with a light and camera to carefully remove obstructions and open the natural drainage pathways. By restoring normal sinus function, FESS can relieve pressure, reduce infections and improve long-term breathing and quality of life.
The Benefits of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
If you’ve been living with the frustration of chronic infections and constant pressure, surgery can provide a path forward when other treatments haven’t worked. Advantages of FESS include:
- Lasting relief from chronic sinus pain, swelling and pressure
- Restored airflow and drainage through natural sinus openings
- Improved sense of smell, breathing and overall quality of life
- Plus — it’s an outpatient procedure with no external incisions
What To Expect From Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take one to three hours, depending on your specific condition. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there are no external scars and recovery is usually quicker than with traditional sinus surgery.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, though full healing may take several. Some temporary side effects may include nasal congestion, mild bleeding or facial pressure. Serious complications are rare but may include infection or a reaction to anesthesia.
If you’ve struggled with ongoing sinus infections and haven’t found relief through medication or other treatments, endoscopic sinus surgery may be the exact solution you’ve been searching for. Book a consultation today to find out.
