What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is an endoscopic technique, done completely through the nostril. The procedure enlarges the drainage pathways of the sinuses and remove inflammatory tissue. We use the latest video aided technologies called an endoscope.
 
For safety and accuracy, Dr. Cilento also uses the most advanced CT guidance technology available in Houston. CT guidance allows the surgeon to see precisely where his instruments are in real time while operating
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FESS Texas Sinus & Snoring Houston Spring

Who Benefits from FESS?

Patients with polyps, allergic fungal disease (very common in Houston), or severe sinus disease will benefit from a FESS.
 
Nasal polyps are a growth on the lining of the nose or sinuses. The nasal polyps cause chronic inflammation. Causes of nasal polyps include: seasonal allergies, chronic sinus infections, asthma and sometimes drug sensitivity or immune disorders.
 
Allergic fungal disease is also known as allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). It is a common fungal infection in the sinuses. Because of Houston's humid climate and long allergy season, allergic fungal disease is very common.
It is also an option for the few patients who have failed a previous balloon sinuplasty (roughly 2-5%).

What are the results of FESS?

Most patients experience decreased facial pressure, pain, headache, nasal drainage, post nasal drip, and an improved sense of smell and nasal breathing. We see this significant reduction in symptoms as a cure. This result is attainable in roughly 95% of patients after surgical intervention.

The most variable result is with the sense of smell. Sense of smell is the most delicate sense we have. It can be altered or damaged by infection, allergy, medications or trauma. It may have already been irreparably damaged by polyps, medications, viruses or infection, trauma or inflammation before the surgery. Therefore your sense of smell may not return fully, even after a FESS.

Most patients experience the final results about 4-6 weeks after surgery, but many feel improvement much sooner.

Are there any possible risks or complications?

Headache, bleeding, scarring, and re-operation are the most common and are easily managed. Rarely, there may be damage to the structures surrounding the sinuses like the eye, the brain and the teeth. Texas Sinus and Snoring use the latest technology in image guidance to make sure we protect you as much as possible.

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