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Sinus Related Articles > Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Major advances have been made in the surgical treatment with a minimally invasive technique called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is done to clear obstructions, including any polyp, and ventilation and drainage to facilitate healing.

Candidates for the Procedure

  1. It is considered to be a good choice for people with chronic sinusitis associated with structural abnormalities.
  2. Studies have found it to be safe and effective in children with chronic sinusitis or whose sinuses have not developed.
  3. The procedure may help HIV patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis.
  4. Candidates who have both sinusitis and asthma have found the procedure beneficial.
  5. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery has benefited patients with the ASA triad, fungus infections, or severe chronic sinusitis.

The Procedure

Children require general anesthetic, though adults will need only a local anesthetic for the procedure.

Some physicians are now using a device called a depth of field image (DOFI) video enhancement screen that displays a holographic 3-D image. It allows the surgeon an excellent view of the sinus cavities helping him work with very little or no complications. A computed tomography scan is taken for planning the procedure and as a guide to the sinuses during surgery.

In functional endoscopic sinus surgery a flexible tube, a miniature camera, and a fiberoptic light source are inserted through a single small opening.

Instruments like microdebrider, which uses a blade on a tiny rotor, are effectively and safely used to remove the polyps without harming the sinus area.

Very few serious complications of FESS have been reported.

Post-surgical Care

After surgery, it is recommended that the patient should flush the sinuses twice daily with a saline or alkaline solution, preferably using a system like Neti Pot.

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