Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in Noida

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure using high-definition endoscopes to clear blocked sinus drainage pathways and restore normal sinus ventilation.

Medically Reviewed & Authored

Dr. Mitva Agarwal, MBBS, DLO, DNB (ENT)

Senior Consultant ENT Surgeon · Rhinology & Sinus Specialist · 11+ Years Experience

Specialist in FESS, Balloon Sinuplasty & Sinus Polyps · Surbhi & Prayag Hospitals (Noida)

When sinus surgery (FESS) is needed

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones. When sinus drainage openings (ostia) become chronically swollen or blocked, mucus gets trapped, creating ideal conditions for persistent inflammation and recurrent bacterial infections.

FESS is evaluated for patients experiencing:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis lasting beyond 12 weeks despite appropriate medical treatment
• Recurrent acute sinus infections returning multiple times a year
• Sinus polyps or fungal mucin obstructing natural drainage passages
• Facial pressure, heaviness around cheeks or forehead, and chronic post-nasal drip
• Loss or significant reduction in the sense of smell (anosmia/hyposmia)

Medical management tried before surgery

Sinus surgery is recommended only after non-surgical medical management has been attempted without long-term symptom relief.

Conservative medical steps include:

• Full courses of prescription antibiotics for active sinus infection
• Daily intranasal corticosteroid sprays and short courses of systemic steroids when appropriate
• High-volume isotonic saline sinus rinses to flush out mucus and irritants
• Treatment of underlying allergic rhinitis and environmental triggers

When CT imaging confirms persistent mucosal thickening or anatomical blockage that medical therapy cannot resolve, surgery is considered to restore sinus drainage.

How endoscopic sinus surgery works & balloon sinuplasty

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is performed entirely through the nostrils using high-definition rigid endoscopes and micro-instruments. The surgeon visualizes the narrow sinus openings under magnification, removing small bits of inflamed tissue, polyps, or micro-bony obstructions while preserving healthy surrounding mucosa.

Balloon Sinuplasty as a Less-Invasive Option

For selected patients with chronic frontal, maxillary, or sphenoid sinus blockage without severe polyps or structural deformities, Balloon Sinuplasty offers a tissue-preserving alternative.

In Balloon Sinuplasty, a flexible catheter with a small uninflated balloon is guided into the blocked sinus opening under endoscopic guidance. The balloon is gently inflated for a few seconds, expanding the narrow drainage passage without cutting tissue or bone. Once the opening is enlarged, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the natural sinus pathway open and functional.

Recovery and post-operative aftercare

Post-operative aftercare helps the sinus lining heal smoothly:

• Nasal Rinses: Saline nasal sprays and irrigations are started as advised to prevent crust formation and support mucosal healing.
• Follow-up Care: Routine post-operative in-clinic endoscopic cleaning removes mild crusts and ensures pathways remain open.
• Precautions: Heavy physical exertion, strenuous lifting, and blowing the nose forcefully should be avoided for 10 to 14 days.
• Return to Work: Most patients return to light desk work within 3 to 5 days.

When to consult an ENT specialist

If you suffer from chronic sinus symptoms that linger despite repeated medical treatment, consult an ENT specialist for an endoscopic examination and CT sinus evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions