What Is Sinusitis Surgery (FESS)?
The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the facial bones connected to the nose; inflammation of these cavities is called sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis presents with nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, facial pressure and loss of smell lasting longer than 12 weeks. In cases that do not respond to medical treatment, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS – Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) restores lasting relief by reopening the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses. Prof. Dr. Ömer Karakoç, experienced in this field in Ankara, performs the procedure entirely through the nostrils using an endoscopic technique that requires no external incision.
Symptoms / Who Is a Candidate
- Nasal congestion and post-nasal drip lasting longer than 12 weeks.
- A feeling of pressure/pain around the face, eyes or forehead.
- Reduced or lost sense of smell.
- Recurring sinusitis attacks despite antibiotics and nasal sprays.
- Obstruction due to nasal polyps.
Diagnostic Methods
An endoscopic nasal examination checks for polyps, inflammation or anatomical narrowing. A sinus CT scan is requested to clarify the extent of the disease and which sinuses are affected; this imaging also forms the basis of surgical planning.
Treatment Process
Medical treatment is always the first step for chronic sinusitis: nasal sprays, irrigation and, when needed, antibiotic/steroid treatment are tried for a certain period. If there is insufficient response, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is considered. Performed under general anaesthesia, the procedure widens the natural openings of the sinuses using an endoscope, with no external incision, and clears any polyps present. Surgery duration ranges from 45-90 minutes depending on the number of sinuses involved.
Recovery Process
- 1-3 days: Mild blood-tinged discharge and congestion are expected; hospital stay is usually 1 day.
- 1-2 weeks: Recovery is monitored with regular nasal irrigation and check-up visits, during which crusting is cleared.
- 3-4 weeks: The nasal lining largely returns to normal and the sense of smell gradually improves.
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Ömer Karakoç?
In sinusitis, avoiding unnecessary surgery matters just as much as recommending it at the right time when truly needed. At his clinic in Çankaya, Ankara, Prof. Dr. Ömer Karakoç first evaluates medical options and recommends FESS only when genuinely necessary, closely following post-operative nasal care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgery always needed for sinusitis?
No. Most sinusitis cases are controlled with medical treatment (nasal spray, irrigation, and antibiotics when needed). FESS is considered only for chronic or recurrent cases that do not respond adequately to medical treatment.
Does FESS surgery leave a visible external scar?
No, since the procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils with an endoscope, there is no visible external incision or scar.
Why is nasal irrigation important after surgery?
Regular saline irrigation helps clear crusting and speeds up the recovery process. For this reason, regular irrigation is recommended for a certain period after discharge.
Can nasal polyps come back?
In some patients, especially where an underlying allergic or inflammatory tendency exists, polyps can develop again over time. Regular follow-up and, if needed, preventive medical treatment are therefore recommended after surgery.
Does the sense of smell return after surgery?
For smell loss related to sinus obstruction, many patients experience notable improvement once the obstruction is cleared. The degree of improvement can vary depending on the duration of smell loss and the underlying cause.
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