Endoscopic sinus surgery, or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), endoscopy or sinoscopy, is a procedure to remove blockages in the sinuses. The sinuses are the spaces filled with air in some of the bones of the skull. During the procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the nose to allow the doctor to visualize the inside of the nose and sinuses. Surgical instruments are then used to remove blockages.
Advice
Choose a team – the doctor, nurses and staff – that communicate very well with you and that you trust.
Recovery can take several weeks; talk to your doctor about expectations.
Arrange to have an advocate or your doctor see you in the recovery room.
Waiting to have the surgery can be the most stressful part: Find ways to decrease stress and channel the anticipation of the surgery in a positive way.
Stories
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
I had continual mucus running down my left nostril. The doctor tried to clear up this infection with medicine, but told me that it would probably require surgery. He was right, and we scheduled endoscopic sinus surgery to drain my chronically infected sinus. Read More
Dan, male, 67, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
I couldn't breathe very well out of my nose and I had sinus headaches. My doctor recommended endoscopic sinus surgery. Read More
Alisha, female, 22, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
I had polyps blocking my nasal passage and chronic sinus congestion. My doctor recommended polyp removal and turbinate reduction. Read More
Michael, male, 39, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
I was having constant sinus infections. My doctor and I tried many interventions before deciding that surgery was necessary.
Read More
Shan, female, 49, Massachusetts
View more stories »
Trusted Resources
No Trusted Resources
