Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in Ranchi
Endoscopic sinus surgery for selected patients with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or blocked sinus drainage pathways that do not improve adequately with appropriate medical treatment.
What is FESS?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, or FESS, is a minimally invasive operation performed through the nostrils using an endoscope. It is designed to open blocked sinus drainage pathways, remove diseased tissue or polyps where necessary and improve ventilation and drainage of the sinuses.
When is FESS considered?
- Chronic sinusitis that continues despite appropriate medicines.
- Recurrent sinus infections with persistent blockage.
- Nasal polyps causing obstruction or loss of smell.
- Fungal sinus disease in selected cases.
- Sinus drainage obstruction seen on CT.
- Complications related to chronic sinus disease.
- Need for access to selected sinus lesions or mucoceles.
Symptoms of chronic sinus disease
Common symptoms
- Nasal blockage.
- Facial pressure or heaviness.
- Thick nasal discharge.
- Post-nasal drip.
- Reduced sense of smell.
- Recurrent headaches related to sinus disease.
Seek urgent review if
- There is swelling around the eye.
- Vision changes occur.
- Severe headache with fever develops.
- There is persistent nose bleeding.
- Neurological symptoms appear.
How is sinus disease evaluated?
Evaluation typically includes ENT examination, nasal endoscopy and CT scan of the paranasal sinuses when surgery is being considered. Allergy, asthma, dental causes and other conditions may also be reviewed. FESS should generally be based on both symptoms and objective findings.
Surgery is usually considered after medical treatment
Regular nasal saline can help clear mucus and reduce crusting.
Commonly used to reduce inflammation, especially in chronic sinusitis and polyps.
Used selectively when bacterial infection is suspected.
Allergy control may help when allergic inflammation contributes to symptoms.
Endoscopic surgery is used when sinus drainage remains blocked despite appropriate care.
Additional nasal procedures may be combined when structural blockage is present.
Your endoscopic sinus surgery journey
FESS is usually performed under general anaesthesia.
A fine camera is passed through the nostril, so there is usually no external facial incision.
Blocked sinus openings are widened and diseased tissue is removed as needed.
Nasal polyps or other obstructing tissue may be removed when indicated.
Bleeding is controlled and nasal packing or dressings may be used selectively.
Before FESS
- ENT examination and nasal endoscopy.
- CT scan of the sinuses when indicated.
- Review of previous medical treatment.
- Assessment for asthma or allergy where relevant.
- Pre-anaesthesia evaluation.
- Blood tests and medication review.
- Discussion of blood thinners and nasal sprays before surgery.
Recovery after FESS
Early recovery
Nasal blockage, mild bleeding, facial pressure and crusting are common during the first days. Nasal breathing usually improves gradually as swelling settles.
Longer-term recovery
The sinuses may take several weeks to heal fully. Follow-up cleaning, saline irrigation and nasal medicines are important parts of recovery.
What should you do after sinus surgery?
- Use saline nasal irrigation as advised.
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Avoid forceful nose blowing initially.
- Sneeze with the mouth open if advised.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the advised period.
- Attend scheduled endoscopic cleaning and review.
- Continue long-term nasal steroid treatment if prescribed.
When can I return to normal routine?
Many patients return to light desk-based work within about a week, although this varies with the extent of surgery, bleeding, fatigue and associated procedures. Strenuous activity may need to be avoided for longer.
What risks should patients understand?
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, adhesions, persistent or recurrent sinus disease, recurrence of nasal polyps, reduced or altered sense of smell, injury to the eye or surrounding structures, cerebrospinal fluid leak and the possible need for revision surgery. Serious complications are uncommon but should be discussed before surgery.
Understanding FESS cost
Final cost depends on the number of sinuses treated, presence of polyps or fungal disease, navigation or specialised instruments if used, anaesthesia, additional septal/turbinate procedures, room category and length of stay.
Get exact estimateCoverage depends on diagnosis, medical necessity, associated procedures, policy or scheme rules, empanelment and pre-authorisation.
Why choose Hopewell for FESS?
Nasal endoscopy, CT review, surgery and postoperative care are coordinated in one service.
Sinus anatomy and disease extent are reviewed before surgery.
FESS is performed through the nostrils without routine external facial incisions.
Cleaning and surveillance are built into follow-up.
Underlying inflammatory conditions can be addressed as part of long-term control.
Support for cashless, TPA and eligible government scheme processes.
Meet the ENT & sinus specialist
Dr XXX
ENT & Sinus Surgery • Hopewell Hospital, Ranchi
Clinical focus may include FESS, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, septoplasty, endoscopic nasal surgery and ENT care.
Frequently asked questions
FESS stands for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. It is performed through the nostrils using an endoscope to improve sinus drainage and remove diseased tissue where necessary.
Persistent sinus blockage, facial pressure or nasal polyps?
Book an ENT consultation with Dr XXX to review your nasal endoscopy and CT scan and understand whether medical treatment or FESS is appropriate.
*Procedure time, hospital stay and recovery are indicative and vary by individual clinical condition. This page is for patient education and does not replace medical consultation.