What does FESS mean in PHYSIOLOGY

FESS stands for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the sinuses. The surgery is performed through the nostrils using an endoscope with a camera and other tools.

FESS can be used to treat chronic sinus conditions such as sinusitis, deviated septum, polyps, swollen tissue in the nose or airways, tumors in the nose or airways, recurrent infections in the nose or ears, cysts in the nose or ears, and other structural problems within the nose or head.

Recovery times vary from individual to individual depending on factors such as age, overall health and severity of condition. However, most people usually feel normal after about one week. Swelling and discomfort should decrease over time but can take up to one month or more for complete recovery from FESS.

Potential risks associated with FESS include infection, nosebleeds, bleeding inside and around your eyes, damage to blood vessels or nerves around your eyes/nose/jaw/cheek area, decreased smell/taste sensation due to nerve damage during surgery and scarring inside your nasal cavity which could cause breathing difficulties.

Yes, if necessary after a period of time has passed since previous FESS surgery then it may be repeated depending upon the patient's individual circumstances. It's best advised that you speak with your surgeon before deciding whether more surgeries are necessary.