Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
F.E.S.S. is surgery performed on one's sinuses with small telescopes(endoscopes). These endoscopes allow direct visualization of the diseased area(s) and thus removal of the disease, while maintaining the normal function and anatomy of the nose. Thus the title F.E.S.S..
WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS OF F.E.S.S.?
Anyone suffering from the following symptoms may be a candidate for F.E.S.S.:
- Chronic sinusitis problems which have failed to respond to medical management.
- Nasal polyps.
- Facial pain or feeling of fullness around the eyes.
- Difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Decrease in and/or loss of smell.
- Persistent bad odor in the nose.
- Postnasal drip.
- Swelling around the eyes.
These are symptoms that many people suffer. This is by no means a complete list.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR F.E.S.S.?
Any person who has the above symptoms and who have undergone a thorough workup, including:
- Complete history and physical
- Possible office endoscopic evaluation of the nose
- X-ray evaluation of the sinuses.
WHERE IS THIS SURGERY PERFORMED?
F.E.S.S. is performed at one or the local hospital facilities or one of the outpatient surgical facilities. It can be done under general anethesia (preferred by most patients) or local anethesia with I.V. sedation.
WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL RISKS INVOLVED?
Complications are uncommon, but can occur in the best of hands. The most common problems are excessive bleeding (hemorrhage) and post-operative infection.
Other more rare complications would include:
- double vision
- brain fluid leak
- loss of sense of smell and/or taste
- tear duct injury
- meningitis or infection of brain lining
- bruising around the eyes or eye injury
These serious complications are very rare, but must be understood as being part of the risk of surgery.