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.
Read the patient stories below for information and advice on endoscopic sinus surgery. Learn about common concerns, including how to prepare, what to expect during the procedure, and recovery time.
Patient Advice
Preparation for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery:
“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.”
After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery:
“Report any pain or discomfort to the doctor or nurses. Do not hesitate to communicate.”
“Carefully follow the instructions as to appointments and medications.”
Patient 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.
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Shan, female, 49, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
I was suffering from frequent sinus headaches and infections. I constantly felt congested and almost always had a stuffy/runny nose. The doctor recommended sinus surgery. Read More
Leticia, female, 25, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
I had several broken noses/nose injuries and recurring sinus infections. My doctor recommended surgery to correct my deviated septum and reduce the potential of getting sinus infections. Read More
Turk, male, 43, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
My sinus CT scan showed all four sinus cavities blocked and a deviated septum. After the steroids wore off my congestion returned and my doctor and I decided that surgery would be the best option for long term relief. Read More
Clare, female, 45, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
All my adult life I have had chronic sinus infections and respiratory infections. These infections exacerbated my asthma condition. Read More
Sue, female, 56, Massachusetts
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
I had endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty because I was constantly getting sinus infections and I was always feeling like I couldn’t breathe normally. Being constantly stuffed up affected the quality of my life: the doctor recommended sinus surgery with a septoplasty.
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Stephanie, female, 20, Massachusetts
