The newest developments in nasal surgery have highlighted endoscopic techniques as the most effective in treating a large number of diseases involving the paranasal cavities. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is widely used to treat chronic sinus infections.
Functional Endoscopic Paranasal Sinus Surgery (FESS): When is it ndicated
It is a minimally invasive surgical method, which is indicated for patients whose sinus infection symptoms have not improved, or complications have been observed. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is indicated for the treatment of infections in the sinus cavities such as chronic sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis), for the removal of nasal polyps and tumors of benign or malignant etiology.
Goal of endoscopic sinus surgery
The goal of this procedure is to restore the flow of air to and from the nasal cavity and the normal functioning of the paranasal sinuses. This specific operation is used to relieve symptoms associated with:
- Sinusitis
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal obstruction
- Recurrent or chronic sinus infections
- Nasal tumors (benign or malignant)
- Nasal polyps
If an infection is found in the sinus cavity (sinusitis), Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is used to facilitate drainage of the sinuses and the flow of air through the nasal cavity. The goals of endoscopic sinus surgery include relieving the symptoms and reducing the rate of sinus infections, relieving the symptoms of sinusitis, improving the flow of air through the nose and the sense of smell, and facilitating nasal lavages.
When conservative treatment does not effectively relieve the symptoms of pathologies of the paranasal cavities, Functional Endoscopic Surgery of the Paranasal Sinuses (FESS) is the most reliable solution for dealing with these pathologies. The operation is carried out using latest technology endoscopes, which allow optimal, high-definition visibility in the affected area, facilitating the field of view in small areas that were previously extremely difficult to gain access to.
Endoscopic sinus surgery process
This endoscopic method is carried out with the use of thin endoscopes, that consist of high-definition cameras, while navigation in the affected area with a specialized machine (navigator) is often used. Those tools provide maximum visibility to the surgeon, while keeping the normal structures of the nasal cavity intact. To carry out the procedure, ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou utilises microsurgical tools, for maximum precision and safety of the intervention. Thus, the adjacent tissue that obstructs the passage of air is removed, while at the same time the infectious mucus is removed, with respect to the anatomy of the area.
Benefits of Functional Endoscopic Paranasal Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Through Functional Endoscopic Paranasal Sinus Surgery (FESS), large incisions, swelling or bruising are avoided, ensuring the shortest possible recovery time for the patient. This technique is performed entirely intranasally, for an excellent aesthetic result that does not involve incisions, stitches and scars on the patient’s face. The operation is painless, allowing patients to return from the next day to their daily activities. It is important for the patient to avoid intense physical activities and to consistently follow the instructions given by the attending physician regarding the postoperative course.
If there is scoliosis in the nasal septum, which intensifies the symptoms of the infection in the paranasal cavities, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Sinus Surgery (FESS) can be combined with septoplasty, aiming to restore not only the pathological cause, but also the anatomical deformity that coexists.