Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
₱ 0

Things you need to know

1.What is FESS ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is FESS ?

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Why do you need FESS ?

FESS is indicated for:

  • Chronic sinusitis:
    • Persistent symptoms (>12 weeks): Nasal congestion, facial pain, headache, or discharge despite medical treatment (e.g., antibiotics, nasal steroids).
  • Nasal polyps:
    • Growths blocking sinus drainage, causing congestion or loss of smell.
  • Sinus obstructions:
    • Deviated septum, concha bullosa, or other anatomical blockages.
  • Recurrent infections:
    • Frequent acute sinus infections (4+ episodes/year).
  • Complications:
    • Sinus infections spreading to eyes or brain (e.g., orbital cellulitis, rare).

The procedure aims to remove blockages, widen sinus openings, and improve drainage, thereby reducing infections, relieving symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

Why Do FESS Costs Vary in Philippines?

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FESS Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe.
    • Consent: Risks, including bleeding, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • FESS:
      • Performed under general anesthesia (sometimes local with sedation), lasting 1–2 hours.
      • Endoscope: A thin, rigid scope (4 mm) with a camera is inserted through the nostrils (no external incisions).
      • Sinus clearance:
        • Microdebrider or forceps remove polyps, inflamed tissue, or bone blocking sinus openings (e.g., maxillary, ethmoid sinuses).
        • Sinus ostia (openings) are widened to improve drainage.
        • Deviated septum (if present) may be corrected (septoplasty).
      • Irrigation: Saline clears debris; hemostatic agents control minor bleeding.
      • Packing: Nasal packing (dissolvable or removable) may be used to control bleeding (removed in 1–3 days if non-dissolvable).
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Endoscope: Visualizes sinuses.
      • Microdebrider: Removes tissue precisely.
      • Forceps: Clears polyps or bone fragments.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
    • Care: Nasal saline irrigation (2–3 times daily) to keep sinuses clean; avoid blowing nose for 1 week.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate discomfort for 3–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
    • Instructions: Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks; sleep with head elevated to reduce swelling.

Recovery After FESS

  1. Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Discomfort: Mild nasal congestion, headache, or crusting for 1–2 weeks; managed with saline irrigation.
    • Bleeding: Minor nasal bleeding or discharge for 3–5 days; use drip pad if needed.
    • Activity: Rest for 2–3 days; avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
    • Nasal care: Saline sprays or irrigation for 4–6 weeks; avoid smoking or irritants.
    • Symptom relief: Breathing improves in 1–2 weeks; smell/taste may take 1–3 months.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (remove packing if used), 2 weeks, and 1 month for nasal debridement (clean crusts).
    • Endoscopy: At 1 month to check sinus healing.

Most resume normal activities in 3–7 days; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 80–90% achieve significant symptom relief; recurrence of polyps or infections may occur in 10–20% over 5 years.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Minor nasal bleeding common; severe bleeding (<1%) may need packing or cauterization.
    • Infection (1–2%): Sinus or nasal infection; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Scarring (1–3%): Adhesions between nasal tissues; may need revision surgery.
    • Change in smell (1–2%): Temporary or permanent (rare); improves in 1–3 months for most.
    • CSF leak (<0.5%): Rare; skull base injury may leak cerebrospinal fluid; needs urgent repair.
    • Orbital injury (<0.5%): Rare; damage to eye structures (e.g., double vision); needs immediate attention.
  • Long-Term:
    • Recurrence (10–20% over 5 years): Polyps or sinusitis may return; managed with medications or revision FESS.

Report heavy bleeding, severe headache, vision changes, or fever promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes chronic sinusitis?

Allergies, nasal polyps, deviated septum, infections, or anatomical blockages.

Can I avoid FESS?

Yes, if mild: Nasal steroids, saline irrigation, or antibiotics; FESS is for persistent or severe cases.

Is FESS painful?

Mild to moderate discomfort for 3–5 days, managed with medication; nasal congestion improves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume activities?

Normal activities: 3–7 days; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks.

Is FESS covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for medical necessity; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Heavy bleeding, severe headache, vision changes, or fever.

Will my symptoms fully resolve after FESS?

80–90% see significant improvement; recurrence possible (10–20%) if underlying issues (e.g., allergies) persist.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Continue nasal irrigation, avoid irritants (e.g., smoke), manage allergies, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for FESS

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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