Persistent nasal blockage, facial pressure, recurrent sinus infections, headaches, or difficulty breathing through the nose can sometimes be associated with chronic sinus conditions that do not improve sufficiently with medication. For selected patients, endoscopic sinus surgery in Delhi may help restore natural sinus drainage and improve nasal breathing.
At MedFirst ENT Centre, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is performed using modern endoscopic techniques to treat conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, recurrent sinus infections, and sinus blockages. The procedure is designed to open blocked sinus drainage pathways while preserving healthy nasal and sinus structures wherever possible.
What Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the nostrils using a small nasal endoscope. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, it generally does not require external cuts or visible facial incisions.
During the procedure, an ENT surgeon uses the endoscope to clearly visualise the nasal and sinus passages. Blocked or diseased tissue, nasal polyps, mucus, and other obstructions may be removed or treated to improve the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses.
One of the commonly used techniques is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Its objective is to restore sinus ventilation and drainage while preserving healthy tissue and the normal function of the nose and sinuses.
When Is FESS Recommended?
Not every patient with sinusitis requires surgery. Medical treatment is usually considered first, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
FESS may be considered for patients with conditions such as:
Chronic rhinosinusitis that persists despite appropriate medical treatment
Recurrent acute sinus infections
Nasal polyps causing persistent obstruction
Sinus blockage due to anatomical abnormalities
Sinus mucoceles
Certain cases of fungal sinusitis
Persistent nasal obstruction associated with sinus disease
The decision to undergo surgery should be based on an ENT evaluation, symptoms, examination findings, imaging, and response to previous treatment.
Diagnosis Before Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Before recommending FESS, an ENT specialist evaluates the patient's symptoms and examines the nasal passages. Nasal endoscopy can provide a detailed view of the nasal cavity and sinus drainage areas.
A CT scan of the sinuses may also be recommended when surgery is being considered. It can help identify inflammation, obstruction, anatomical variations, polyps, and other changes within the sinus system.
This assessment helps the surgeon determine whether surgery is appropriate and which sinus areas may require treatment.
How Is FESS Performed?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is performed through the nostrils using specialised endoscopic instruments. A typical procedure may involve the following steps:
1. Insertion of the Endoscope
A rigid nasal endoscope is carefully introduced through the nostril. It provides magnified visualisation of the nasal cavity and sinus openings.
2. Identification of Blockages
The surgeon identifies areas affected by inflammation, polyps, infected tissue, anatomical obstruction, or other abnormalities.
3. Removal of Diseased Tissue
Where necessary, obstructing polyps, inflamed tissue, mucus, or other diseased material is removed using specialised instruments.
4. Opening the Natural Drainage Pathways
Blocked or narrowed sinus openings may be carefully enlarged to improve ventilation and drainage.
5. Preservation of Healthy Structures
A key objective of modern FESS is targeted treatment. Healthy tissues and structures are preserved wherever possible to support normal mucociliary function.
6. Nasal Dressing When Required
Depending on the procedure and the patient's condition, a nasal dressing or other postoperative material may be placed.
What Are the Benefits of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
When appropriately recommended, FESS can provide several potential benefits:
Minimally Invasive Approach
The procedure is performed through the nostrils, generally without external facial incisions or visible scars.
Improved Sinus Drainage
Opening blocked drainage pathways can help mucus move more effectively through the sinuses.
Better Nasal Breathing
Treating obstructions may improve airflow through the nasal passages.
Relief From Sinus Symptoms
For appropriately selected patients, treatment may help reduce symptoms associated with chronic sinus disease, including congestion, facial pressure, and recurrent infections.
Targeted Treatment
Endoscopic visualisation allows the surgeon to directly identify and treat affected areas.
Faster Recovery
Compared with more extensive traditional approaches, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques can involve less tissue disruption and may allow a relatively quicker recovery.
What Type of Anaesthesia Is Used?
The type of anaesthesia depends on the procedure, the patient's medical condition, and the surgeon's recommendation.
Possible approaches include:
Local anaesthesia: The nasal area is numbed with medication.
Monitored anaesthesia care (MAC): Sedative and intravenous medications may be used while the patient is monitored.
General anaesthesia: The patient remains fully unconscious during the procedure.
For many FESS procedures, general anaesthesia may be used to provide patient comfort and allow the surgeon to perform the procedure precisely.
Recovery After FESS
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the extent of surgery and the underlying sinus condition.
Your ENT specialist may recommend:
Using saline nasal sprays or rinses as directed
Keeping the nasal passages appropriately moisturised
Avoiding strenuous physical activity during the initial recovery period
Attending scheduled postoperative appointments
Following prescribed medications and wound-care instructions
Reporting excessive bleeding, fever, increasing pain, or other concerning symptoms
Follow-up care is an important part of recovery because the nasal passages may require cleaning or monitoring while they heal.
Are There Risks Associated With Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS is generally considered a well-established surgical technique, but like any surgical procedure, it has potential risks.
Possible complications may include:
Bleeding
Infection
Scar tissue formation
Temporary or persistent changes in smell
Recurrence of sinus disease or nasal polyps
Rare complications involving structures near the sinuses, including the eye or brain
Your ENT surgeon should discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and risks relevant to your individual condition before surgery.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Cost in Delhi
The cost of endoscopic sinus surgery in Delhi can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the sinus condition, the extent of surgery required, investigations, anaesthesia, hospital or operating-room facilities, and postoperative care.
MedFirst ENT Centre lists the cost of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery as ₹60,000. Patients should confirm the current total cost, inclusions, investigations, medicines, and postoperative charges directly with the centre before proceeding.
Insurance coverage may also vary according to the patient's policy and insurer.
FESS Surgery With Insurance Support
MedFirst ENT Centre provides support for patients navigating insurance claims and third-party administrator (TPA) procedures for eligible treatments.
Patients considering FESS should check their health insurance policy to understand:
Whether sinus surgery is covered
Applicable waiting periods
Network hospital or clinic requirements
Pre-authorisation requirements
Deductibles or co-payments
Coverage limits and exclusions
Insurance coverage depends on the individual policy and insurer.
Why Choose MedFirst ENT Centre for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Delhi?
MedFirst ENT Centre is an ENT specialist centre located in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. The centre was established in 1997 and provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of ear, nose, and throat conditions.
The centre offers:
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
A dedicated ENT operation theatre
Endoscopic and microsurgical equipment
Specialist sinus treatment
Postoperative follow-up and care
Insurance and TPA assistance
Emergency and critical-care facilities
The centre is led by Dr. (Major) Rajesh Bhardwaj, MBBS (AFMC), MS, DNB, DLO, DHA, who has more than 25 years of experience in ENT care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Is FESS painful?
FESS is performed under appropriate anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is not expected to be painful. Some nasal congestion, pressure, discomfort, or drainage can occur during the recovery period.
How long does recovery take after FESS?
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of surgery and the patient's health. Your ENT specialist will provide individual instructions regarding activity, nasal care, medication, and follow-up.
Will I need another sinus surgery?
Not necessarily. FESS is intended to address the underlying obstructive or diseased areas, but some chronic sinus conditions, particularly those associated with nasal polyps or ongoing inflammation, can recur. Continued medical management and follow-up may help manage the underlying condition.
Is FESS suitable for everyone with sinusitis?
No. Surgery is not automatically required for every person with sinusitis. An ENT specialist generally considers symptoms, examination findings, imaging, diagnosis, and response to medical treatment before recommending surgery.
How do I know if I am a candidate for FESS?
If you have persistent or recurrent sinus symptoms despite appropriate medical treatment, an ENT specialist can assess whether FESS may be appropriate. Nasal endoscopy and, when indicated, a CT scan may be used as part of the evaluation.
Get Evaluated for Sinus Problems in Delhi
If chronic nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, facial pressure, nasal polyps, or difficulty breathing continues despite medical treatment, an ENT evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and available treatment options.
For patients who require surgical treatment, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) offers a minimally invasive approach to improving sinus drainage and nasal function.
MedFirst ENT Centre
D 3/14, Ground Floor, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110057
Phone: +91 98711 50032 / +91 92055 85295
Emergency: +91 92055 85295
Monday to Saturday | Sunday Closed
Consult an ENT specialist to determine whether endoscopic sinus surgery is appropriate for your specific condition.
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