Sinus surgery | Dr.Pooja Gullapalli

Definition:

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus-related conditions. It involves the use of an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera—to view the sinus passages and guide the removal of blockages, polyps, or infected tissue, improving sinus drainage and function.

Purpose:

The primary goals of FESS are to:

Restore normal drainage of the sinuses.
Relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis, such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and recurrent infections.
Improve airflow through the nasal passages.
Enhance the quality of life for patients with chronic sinus issues.

Indications:

FESS is typically recommended for individuals who have:

Chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medical treatments such as antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, and decongestants.
Nasal polyps obstructing the sinus openings.
Sinus infections causing complications such as abscesses or orbital cellulitis.
Structural abnormalities like deviated septum or concha bullosa contributing to sinus blockages.
Recurrent acute sinusitis impacting the patient's quality of life.

Procedure:

FESS is usually performed under local or general anesthesia and involves the following steps:

Preparation:
- The patient is prepped for surgery, and anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
Insertion of the Endoscope:
- The endoscope is gently inserted into the nostril, providing the surgeon with a clear, magnified view of the sinus passages on a monitor.
Removal of Blockages:
- Using specialized surgical instruments, the surgeon removes blockages, such as polyps, scar tissue, or infected mucosal tissue, to clear the sinus openings and restore normal drainage.
Addressing Structural Issues:
- If necessary, the surgeon may also correct structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, that contribute to sinus obstruction.
Ensuring Proper Drainage:
- The surgeon ensures that all sinus pathways are open and functioning correctly, allowing for proper mucus drainage.
Conclusion:
- The instruments and endoscope are removed, and the nasal passages are checked for any remaining blockages. Nasal packing may be placed to control bleeding and support healing.

Recovery:

Postoperative care is crucial for a successful recovery and typically includes:

Resting with the head elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and nose blowing for a few weeks.
Using saline nasal sprays or rinses to keep the nasal passages moist and aid in healing.
Taking prescribed medications, such as pain relievers, antibiotics, and nasal corticosteroids, to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove any nasal packing or splints.

Risks and Complications:

As with any surgical procedure, FESS carries potential risks, including:

Infection
Bleeding
Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Scarring or adhesions in the nasal passages
Persistent symptoms or recurrence of sinus issues
Rarely, injury to the eye or brain

Benefits:

● Minimally Invasive:
- FESS is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery, resulting in less postoperative pain, reduced bleeding, and quicker recovery.
Improved Sinus Function:
- Patients typically experience significant relief from chronic sinus symptoms and improved sinus drainage.
Enhanced Quality of Life:
- Better sinus function can lead to improved sleep, reduced facial pain, and overall enhanced well-being.

Outcomes:

When performed by an experienced ENT surgeon like Dr. Pooja Gullapalli, FESS has a high success rate. Most patients report significant improvements in their sinus symptoms and overall quality of life, with long-lasting results.

Conclusion:

: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a vital surgical intervention for individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis and other sinus-related conditions. Dr. Pooja Gullapalli’s expertise in performing FESS ensures precise, effective, and safe treatment of sinus obstructions. Her comprehensive approach to patient care guarantees optimal outcomes, enabling patients to breathe more easily and enjoy a healthier, symptom-free life.

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Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS):