FESS Guide
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, often called FESS, is used for selected sinus disease when medical treatment is not enough and blocked sinus drainage needs to be improved.
What FESS is
FESS is performed through the nostrils using endoscopes and small instruments. The goal is to open natural sinus drainage pathways while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible.
When evaluation may be discussed
Patients with chronic sinus symptoms, recurrent infections, nasal polyps, facial pressure, reduced smell, or CT/endoscopy findings may be evaluated. Surgery is usually considered after appropriate medical therapy.
What surgery can and cannot do
Surgery can improve drainage and access for topical treatments, but it does not eliminate all causes of inflammation. Allergy, asthma, polyps, and chronic inflammation may still need ongoing care.
Recovery and follow-up
Follow-up cleaning, saline rinses, and medications may be part of recovery. Crusting, congestion, and mild bleeding are common early after surgery.
Risks and limitations
Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, persistent symptoms, reduced smell, orbital injury, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and need for revision surgery. Serious complications are uncommon but important to discuss.
This page is informational. It cannot determine whether surgery or another treatment is appropriate for an individual. A final plan requires examination and direct clinical consultation.
Common questions
Is FESS performed through external cuts?
Usually no. It is typically performed through the nostrils using endoscopic instruments.
Does it cure sinusitis forever?
Not necessarily. It improves sinus ventilation/drainage but chronic inflammation may still require medical care.
Is this page medical advice?
No. It is general educational information. Suitability, technique, recovery, risks, and cost require direct clinical consultation.
Can the consultation be online first?
An initial online consultation may be possible. International patients often begin by sharing photos and goals with the clinic team before travelling to Istanbul.
Can function and appearance be treated together?
In many nasal procedures, breathing and appearance are evaluated together. The final plan depends on anatomy and examination.