WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY?

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a common surgical method to treat chronic sinus infections. In a FESS procedure, the surgeon uses a magnifying endoscope inserted through the nostrils to see and remove affected tissue and bone.

In general, the goal of sinus surgery is to flush out infected material, open blocked passages, and keep enough healthy tissue intact so that your nose and sinuses can function normally.

Surgery to treat a chronic sinus infection is usually performed if medical treatment hasn’t worked. If you and your doctor decide that surgery is the best option, you may have one of these common FESS procedures:

A doctor talks to a patient about their sinus surgery treatment options for chronic sinusitis.

ETHMOIDECTOMY

If your ethmoid sinuses are causing your sinus infections, an ethmoidectomy may be the FESS procedure you need.

LEARN MORE

MAXILLARY ANTROSTOMY

Pressure and pain under eyes or cheek bones may mean the infection is in your maxillary sinuses. You may need a maxillary antrostomy.

GET DETAILS

POWERED SEPTOPLASTY AND TURBINOPLASTY

If you have blockage from a deviated septum, you may need a powered septoplasty with turbinoplasty.

READ MORE

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.