FESS/Sinus Surgery in Bangalore

Different Types Of Sinus Surgeries

Sinus surgery has evolved with time, with new techniques developing to treat different conditions. Here’s an overview of various types of sinus surgeries:

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): FESS has become a standard procedure for treating sinusitis and nasal polyps.
• Caldwell-Luc operation: An older and less common technique, this type of sinus infection surgery involves the creation of an opening in the sinus from the mouth to remove diseased tissue, polyps, or cysts from the maxillary sinus.
• Balloon sinuplasty: A new, less invasive technique, this involves inserting and inflating a small balloon into the sinus passages to widen the sinus openings for improved function and drainage. It is often used to treat persistent sinusitis symptoms.
• Endoscopic skull base surgery: This is an advanced, endoscopic, less invasive technique that involves the removal of tumors or lesions from the sinus region that may extend to the brain.
• Septoplasty: Septoplasty is not exactly a sinus surgery, but its correction of the deviated septum does offer relief from sinus blockages. 
• Turbinate reduction: Turbinates are nasal structures that can become enlarged and block sinus drainage and airflow. Their reduction improves breathing and sinus infection.
• Sinus Ostia stenting: This procedure involves placing stents in the sinus openings to let them remain open after surgery.
• Image-guided surgery: In complex or revision surgeries, CT scans and real-time navigation systems may be used by the surgeon for guidance.

Every surgery type can be tailored to the needs of a particular patient. The choice of the surgery type varies with the disease severity, structural issues, and the patient’s overall health. 

FESS: Surgery Procedure in Bangalore

Your surgeon provides certain guidelines to prepare for a Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) surgery. This may include quitting smoking for at least 3 weeks and avoiding drugs such as blood thinners for a brief period before and after the surgery. Make sure that you diligently follow the pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. 

Here are the steps involved in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) surgery:

• Anesthesia administration: The patient is administered general anesthesia right before the surgery to make it pain-free.
• Endoscope insertion: The surgeon inserts an endoscope through the nostril to get a clear internal view of the sinuses.
• Examination: The nasal passages and sinuses are examined thoroughly to detect any abnormalities such as inflammation, polyps, or blockages.
• Removal of the diseased tissue: Using specialized instruments, the surgeon removes diseased tissue, polyps, and any other obstructions blocking the sinus passages. This may involve cutting, shaving, or suctioning out the tissue.
• Closure: After the procedure, the surgeon may place dissolvable packing material in the nasal passages to control bleeding and support healing.

The steps of the procedure may vary depending on the condition treated and the surgical approach chosen by the surgeon. 

What Happens After Sinus Surgery - Recovery and Outlook

Recovery varies from person to person based on one’s health, the type of surgery, and postoperative care. After Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) or sinus surgery, the recovery is typically as follows:

• Mild pain and congestion: You can expect mild to moderate pain, nasal congestion, and swelling during the initial days of recovery.
• Medications: Make sure to take all prescribed medications as instructed. This will help manage any pain and discomfort and also prevent complications such as an infection.
• Avoid strenuous activities: You will need to avoid any strenuous activities, for at least 2 weeks to prevent any complications.
• Avoid blowing your nose: You must ensure that to avoid blowing your nose for at least about 10 to 14 days post the procedure. 
• Saline: You may use nasal saline rinses to keep your nasal passages clean and moist.
• Avoid nasal irritants: Stay away from cigarette smoke, allergens, and pollutants to prevent any form of irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Follow-up care: Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments in order to monitor the recovery and address any concerns early.

Most patients undergo a significant improvement in their quality of life after FESS. Most people experience significant relief from sinus-related issues. Also, the success of the surgery varies depending on factors like the surgeon’s skills, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s adherence to the post-op instructions and lifestyle modifications.  

FESS/Sinus Surgery: Risks / Benefits

Functional Endoscopy Sinus Surgery (FESS) has come up as a mainstay for treating chronic sinusitis and many other sinus-related conditions. However, like any other surgery, FESS also comes with its set of possible complications and benefits.

Risks:

• Bleeding and infection 
• Recurrence of symptoms
• Changes in the sense of smell
• Scar tissue formation inside the sinuses
• Injury to the eyes or surrounding tissues
• Temporary changes in sense of smell or taste 

Benefits: 

• Improved nasal breathing
• Reduced frequency and severity of sinus infections
• Relief from symptoms like facial pain, reduced sense of smell, congestion, and headaches
• More minimally invasive than the traditional technique, that means, less postoperative pain, shorter recovery time and minimal scarring
• Improved quality of life and overall wellbeing