Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a surgical technique that allows the sinus surgeon to go through the nose and open the sinuses for improved ventilation and drainage. This technique allows for careful and precise removal of diseased sinus tissue or the improvement of anatomical problems using special telescopes and small instruments.
One week prior to surgery, you will be asked to stop all aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners. Do not stop until it has been cleared by your primary care physician. You may also be prescribed a tapering dose of steroids to help decrease inflammation before surgery. This will need to be started one week prior to scheduled surgery.
You will be asked to arrive at a surgical center or hospital. After check in, the patient will be taken to a pre-op room. From there, the patient will then be taken to the operating room and given a general anesthetic. During the procedure, a surgeon will go through the nose and open the sinuses. He will use special instruments to do this. Diseased sinus tissue may also be removed. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours. Depending on the patient’s age and overall health, patients may be required to stay overnight for observation.