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Endoscopic removal of benign nasal and sinus polyps to restore airflow, sense of smell, and medication access.
1. Principles of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a modern, minimally invasive procedure performed entirely through the nostrils under high-definition (HD/4K) camera guidance without external incisions or visible scars.
- No external incisions or scars: Performed completely through the nostrils with zero facial incisions.
- Natural ostial drainage: Blocked sinus drainage pathways (ostiomeatal complex) are carefully widened while preserving healthy mucosa.
- Targeted pathology clearance: Nasal polyps, fungal debris (fungal ball), and mucoceles are precisely removed.
- General anesthesia & recovery: Standard surgery takes approximately 1–2 hours under general anesthesia; international patients can typically fly home around day 3 after endoscopic check-up.
2. Endoscopic & Paranasal Sinus CT Evaluation
Definitive diagnosis and surgical mapping combine high-resolution nasal endoscopy of the middle meatus with coronal, axial, and sagittal paranasal sinus CT imaging to ensure maximum safety around the orbit and skull base.
Medical Therapy vs. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
| Clinical Parameter | Conservative Medical Therapy | Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Indication | Acute rhinosinusitis (<4 weeks) & mild mucosal edema | Refractory chronic sinusitis (12+ weeks), nasal polyps, fungal ball, mucocele |
| Approach & Incision | Saline irrigation, topical steroid sprays & medication | 100% endonasal via nostrils (HD/4K camera), zero external incisions or scars |
| Anatomical Effect | Reduces mucosal swelling within existing pathways | Physiologically widens blocked ostia while preserving healthy mucosa |
| Duration & Anesthesia | Outpatient medical protocol | General anesthesia · Average 1–2 hours |
| Recovery & Flight | No downtime | Same/next-day discharge · ~Day 3 check-up & fit-to-fly evaluation |
📚 Evidence-Based Medical Guideline Alignment: Diagnostic and surgical criteria on this page align with the international European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) guidelines and are medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. H. Baki Yılmaz (President of Istanbul ENT Specialists Association, 2026–2027 · Kocaeli Health and Technology University).