 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery About your treatment Also known as FESS, is an endoscopic approach to surgery "Keyhole Surgery" inside the nose and sinuses avoiding any incisions or scars to the face. The paranasal sinuses or as commonly called "The Sinuses" are air containing spaces in the bone of the skull around the nose and eyes. Sometimes the normal air containing sinuses are filled with mucus, pus or polyps and these can cause obstructions, some facial pain, headaches and occasionally loss of the sense of smell. The aim of this operation is to restore normal function to the diseased sinuses Before your operation Your surgeon would have arranged a CT scan (Computerised Tomography) after one your consultations. This is essential both as a 'road map' of your sinuses and helps identify the extent of the problem. Prior to your admission date your surgeon may give you a short course of steroid tablets or antibiotics. These are safe to take as it is for a very short period. If you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any other medications that may interact with the steroids you must inform the surgeon. Inform the surgeon if you are taking any medications that may affect blood clotting such as Aspirin, Warfarin and Clopidogrel (Plavix). Stop all Garlic tablets or any other natural remedies containing Garlic at least one week prior to surgery as this increases the risk of bleeding during and immediately after surgery. The Surgery This is done under General anaesthetic and can take between 40 minutes to 3 hours depending on the extent of the disease. The operation is performed through the nose or rarely under the upper lip. There are no external scars. After your operation Usually no dressings are required, however if bleeding has been a problem during surgery you will wake up with nasal packs in place. These are removed by the nurse or doctor after a few hours. In severe cases they may need to be left in place overnight. After leaving hospital Your nose will feel very blocked for the first 2 weeks. During this period there will be minimal bleeding which will soon turn to clotted blood. You will also experience crusts in the nose which will slowly clear over the following 2 -3 weeks. You will be given analgesia (pain killers) to take home along with instructions on nasal douching which is a very effective method for clearing the crusts and clots in your nose. As infection and allergy is a common cause of nasal and sinus disease your surgeon may give you a course of steroids in the form of tablets, drops or spray in addition to antibiotics. Do not strain or blow your nose for two weeks. We recommend two weeks off work and three weeks away from contact or heavy exercise. Length of stay Depending on what time the surgery takes place you may either go home on the same day (Day Surgery) or stay in hospital overnight. Complications 1. Bleeding The nose has a very large blood supply. Troublesome bleeding is therefore the commonest complication of any nose or sinus surgery. Should this occur please contact the hospital for advice or go to your nearest A&E department.2. Bruising The wall between the orbit (eye socket) and the sinus is very thin. Blood from the sinus can ooze into the orbit causing a black eye. This is rare and should settle in 10-14 days. During this period avoid blowing your nose3. Infection If you experience increasing pain or green discharge from your nose after surgery, you may have an infection and should take a course of antibiotics.4. Loss of Vision This is extremely rare and should only be an issue in patients with very severe sinus disease.5. CSF leak This is a very rare complication. If you experience clear fluid flowing from your nose especially when bending forwards or down the back of your throat when laying back you should inform your surgeon, as there maybe be a leak of brain fluid.6. Smell Sense of smell may sometimes be affected. |