Sinus Surgery (FESS)

About Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, or FESS, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other sinus conditions that have not responded adequately to medical treatment such as antibiotics, nasal steroids, or saline irrigation. Using a thin endoscope with a camera and light inserted through the nostrils, the surgeon identifies and removes blockages, diseased tissue, or polyps obstructing the sinus openings, widening the natural drainage pathways so the sinuses can ventilate and drain normally, without any external incisions. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes one to two hours depending on how many sinuses are involved, often guided by CT imaging taken beforehand to map the patient's individual sinus anatomy. Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay, with temporary nasal packing removed within the first week and a period of nasal irrigation to support healing. India's ENT centers perform FESS routinely using high-definition endoscopic equipment and, in some cases, image-guided navigation for complex or revision cases. International patients typically plan for about one to two weeks to allow for the procedure and an early follow-up visit before traveling home.