What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

The introduction of high-quality nasal endoscopes has markedly improved intraoperative visualization by the intranasal route.  Trauma to normal structures, and hence postoperative morbidity is minimized and precise meticulous surgery to restore physiologic routes of drainage and re-establish ventilation is possible. This is in stark contrast to non-endoscopic intranasal procedures where there is a lot of blood loss and damage to the normal structures causing a lot of scar tissue and poor functional results.  Since the FESS techniques have been standardized external approaches to the sinuses are rarely done these days.  Practically however, the limited field of view may create disorientation unless the surgeon has developed an intimate knowledge of the anatomy.  Hence the surgeon needs to be trained specifically in endoscope and instrument handling techniques in such confined spaces.  FESS techniques have proven to be far superior to other conventional modalities of treatment followed earlier.  In most cases patients are discharged the next day and need absolutely no bed rest.  Most of them report for work within forty-eight hours after surgery. 

Video-Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in progress