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What is FESS and am I a candidate for FESS surgery?

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive operation designed to improve the functioning of the nose. It is performed through an endoscope, which is a small camera and light that allows your surgeon to see easily inside the nose. FESS is done on the sinuses, which are small bony channels and openings that extend from the inside of the nose to the forehead, cheeks, and between the eyes. This is why this operation is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery or “FESS” for short.

More detailed information on FESS can be found here

Candidates are evaluated based upon their history, a physical exam, and CT scan. Please remember that at your initial visit, it is important to bring records from any doctors you visited previously, including:

  • Your medical history
  • Up-to-date information on any course of treatment
  • A list of medications you have been and/or are currently taking
  • Any previous CT or MRI scans, if they are available. A CT scan helps the ENT surgeon accurately assess the areas involved. If you do not have a CT scan, one may be scheduled. These CT scans may be done in-office utilizing our special, low-radiation CT scanner.

However, before surgery is considered, your ENT physician may try additional medical therapy before deciding to do a surgical procedure. If your physician believes you would benefit from endoscopic sinus surgery, he or she will discuss the procedure with you and will arrange a date for the surgery.