What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

FESS surgery involves removing excess structures or mucosal changes in the sinuses. Under the guidance of a camera inserted through the nose, any anatomical abnormalities are corrected. Without necessarily making everyone's nose and sinuses the same, it is believed that the structure of the sinuses is formed in a specific way in order to maintain a specific function.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or preferably under general anesthesia. A typical operation lasts approximately 1 hour.

FESS surgery is performed on patients suffering from chronic inflammation. Sometimes traditional drug treatment does not provide sufficient effect or the desired result. An X-ray examination of the sinuses will reveal whether surgery is an option. In some cases, surgery must be considered in order for medication to work optimally. As a secondary benefit, FESS surgery will reduce snoring, among other things. 

Patients go home the same day after surgery. It is normal to be on sick leave for two weeks. Painkillers are taken as needed, and we will provide you with detailed information. In some cases, patients are instructed to remove small tampons from their nose after 2-5 days at home.

The Kalbakken Clinic calls patients in for a check-up after 6 weeks.