Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Preparation Before Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

• A healthcare provider usually suggests medications to reduce inflammation and infection of the sinuses before the surgery. Medications to reduce respiratory secretions are usually given the night before the surgery.
• Patients who routinely take aspirin, anticoagulants, or NSAIDs should cease taking them at least two weeks before surgery since they increase the risk of bleeding.
• You must avoid smoking for at least a month prior to surgery and for at least a month afterward since it prevents quick recovery.
• The night before the procedure, you need to check into the hospital. You must avoid eating or drinking after midnight to avoid the chances of anesthesia-related complications. You can occasionally need intravenous liquid to stay hydrated.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Recovery

You must follow all the instructions provided by your healthcare provider to promote healing after the surgery. It may include wound care, medication usage, and nasal care.

• You can expect discomfort, pain, and swelling after the surgery. But these symptoms can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Proper rest is crucial during this time to promote healing.
• You must avoid excessive exercise during the recovery period as it can delay tissue healing. 
• Nasal saline rinses or sprays can treat common nasal symptoms like congestion, discharge, or slight bleeding. 
• You must attend all the scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor to track your recovery and resolve any issues. The recovery period after surgery can vary depending on the specific condition.
• For a successful and hassle-free recovery, it’s essential to follow all the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Changes After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

After undergoing sinusitis surgery, a doctor usually suggests making certain lifestyle changes to promote healing and lower the chance of problems. Some common lifestyle changes are as follows:

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help your immune system and sinuses overall. This involves managing stress, getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest.
• To keep the nasal passages moist, remove mucus, and avoid crusting following surgery. Examples include gentle saline rinses or prescribed nasal sprays.
• Avoiding irritants that aggravate sinus symptoms or slow down healing. You must avoid allergens, smoking, potent odors, and environmental contaminants that can irritate and inflame the nasal passages.
• A healthcare provider usually advises using a saline solution for sinus irrigation to clear mucus and promote healing. To ensure safe and efficient sinus irrigation, it’s crucial to employ the right method and sterile tools.
• It is important to adhere to the detailed post-operative instructions that your healthcare provider gives you. 
• Avoid recognized triggers and maintain an allergen-free environment.

Risk & Complications Associated with Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Some common risks and complications associated with endoscopic sinus surgery are as follows:

• Bleeding: You can expect some bleeding for the first three to five days following sinus surgery. If you suffer continuous bleeding, gently inhale through your nose while tilting your head back slightly. You can use oxymetazoline nasal spray if the bleeding does not stop. 
• Infection: Like any surgical procedure, endoscopic sinus surgery also carries a risk of infection There is a possibility of developing an infection at the surgical site or within the sinuses after the surgery. To minimize the risk of infection, a doctor usually prescribes antibiotics. 
• Fatigue: You can feel tired for the first week after surgery. A doctor usually suggests taking proper rest for at least one week to promote recovery. 
• Changes in smell or taste: There is a risk of temporary or permanent changes in the sense of smell or taste that can occur following sinus surgery. This can be due to disruption of the olfactory nerves or swelling of the nasal tissues.
• Facial pain or pressure: You can expect facial pain or pressure immediately after surgery. This discomfort typically subsides with time, but in rare instances, it may persist.
• Eye or vision problems: In some rare instances, sinusitis surgery can potentially lead to eye-related complications such as double vision, vision loss, or injury to the eye. Prompt medical attention is required in such cases.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Cost

The average cost of endoscopic sinus surgery in India is Rs. 58,000.  However, this is the estimated cost of sinusitis surgery, the final cost of surgery depends on various factors. Some common factors that can affect the cost of the surgery are:

• City of the treatment
• Choice of hospital
• Total hospitalization cost
• Severity of the condition
• Diagnosis and evaluation cost
• Post-surgery care 
• Patient’s age and overall health condition
• Surgeon’s fees
• Insurance coverage

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Yes, most companies in India cover the cost of sinusitis surgery. However, the specifics can vary from policy to policy. There are a few healthcare insurance providers in India that may cover sinusitis treatment:

• Star Health Insurance
• New Health Insurance
• Bajaj Allianz
• Religare
• ICICI Lombard

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before FESS Surgery

Before undergoing FESS surgery, it is important to ask the following questions to your surgeon to have a better understanding of the procedure and the risks and complications associated with it:

• Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) safe?
• What is FESS surgery success rate?
• What are the risks and complications associated with FESS surgery?
• What is the duration of FESS surgery?
• How effective is FESS sinus surgery?
• What is FESS surgery recovery time?
• What are the advantages of FESS surgery?
• What are the indications of FESS surgery?
• What precautions do I need to take after FESS surgery?
• When can I resume my daily activities after undergoing FESS?
• What are the risk factors for FESS surgery?
• What are long-term FESS surgery complications?
• What conditions are treated with FESS?
• What are the different types of FESS surgery?
• How long is FESS procedure?
• What will happen if I prolong the FESS procedure?
• When should I consult a healthcare provider after FESS surgery?