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Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries

The theories and practice behind endoscopy — instruments that help surgeons see inside the body — has been around since 1806, when German born physician Phillip Bozzini invented an instrument he called the Lichtleiter (or “light conductor”). However, for obvious reasons, it did not become widely used until the development of the electric light, and has since undergone several revolutions, including the use of fiber optics and rod-lens endoscopes.

Endoscopy came into the realm of otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) with the development of endoscopic sinus surgeries in the late 1980s and early in the 1990s as a treatment for chronic sinusitis. Endoscopic sinus surgeries involve the widening of sinus passages and clefts in order to improve drainage of the sinuses.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, also known as FESS surgery, is the primary endoscopic surgery used to treat patients with sinus infections and bad sinus drainage. Fess surgery uses telescopic instruments to light the inside of the sinus cavities while articulated instruments first identify areas with problematic drainage, and then restore them. One advantage of functional endoscopic sinus surgery over some other forms of sinus surgery is that all of the regions of the sinuses can be reached with the technique.

Generally, functional endoscopic sinus surgery is considered a success if sinusitis is resolved, and nasal obstruction and facial pain eventually clear. Often, what to expect after FESS surgery changes dramatically with the severity of the sinus infection, which is why taking care of sinus issues quickly is so critical. If you have a bad case and don’t know what to expect after FESS surgery, local ear, nose, and throat doctors can give you an opinion on what your recovery and prognosis would look like post-op.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is generally done on an outpatient basis, like most sinus surgeries, and takes between one and two hours to complete. The most significant risk associated with the surgery is blindness resulting from a damaged optic nerve, but this complication is very rare. It occurs in only .2 percent of cases, and is usually seen during surgical procedures and fixed at the time of operation.

If you’re a New Yorker looking into Midtown sinus endoscopy, an NYC FESS operation could be the answer. Midtown sinus endoscopy doctors are easily available in neighborhoods all over Midtown Manhattan in NYC. FESS operations sometimes require follow-up visits when the doctor cleans up the area. This is why having a local FESS surgeon is the most convenient option for a quick recovery.