Hallmark Speciality ENT Clinic · Kharadi, Pune
Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in Kharadi, Pune
Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps and a deviated nasal septum can cause long-standing blockage, facial pressure and repeated infections. Many people improve with medical treatment. When they do not, endoscopic surgery may help.
Sinus problems and FESS
The sinuses are air-filled spaces around the nose. They normally drain mucus into the nose through small openings. When their lining stays inflamed for a long time (chronic sinusitis), or when nasal polyps or a bent septum narrow these passages, mucus cannot drain properly and symptoms persist.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is performed through the nostrils using a thin telescope called an endoscope. The aim is to open the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses and remove polyps or diseased tissue. Because the surgery is done through the nose, there are usually no cuts on the face.
Septoplasty straightens a deviated septum, the wall between the two sides of the nose. It is sometimes combined with sinus surgery or with reduction of the turbinates, the ridges inside the nose that can swell and block airflow.
Common symptoms
- A blocked or stuffy nose that does not clear
- Thick nasal discharge, or mucus running down the back of the throat
- Pain, pressure or fullness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead
- A reduced sense of smell
- Sinus infections that keep coming back
- Snoring or mouth breathing because the nose is blocked
When to see an ENT specialist
See an ENT specialist if nasal or sinus symptoms last longer than about 12 weeks, keep returning, or do not settle with treatment from your family doctor.
Seek urgent medical care for swelling or redness around the eye, changes in vision, a severe headache, or a high fever with sinus symptoms.
How it is diagnosed at the clinic
Dr. Halikar will ask about your symptoms and examine your nose. A nasal endoscopy, a short examination with a thin telescope that is usually done after a numbing spray, shows the inside of the nose and the areas where the sinuses drain in much more detail than a torch can.
If surgery is being considered, a CT scan of the sinuses may be advised to show your anatomy and the extent of the disease.
Treatment options
Treatment aims to control the cause of your symptoms. Medical treatment is usually tried first and may include:
- Saline nasal rinses
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Treatment of allergies
- Antibiotics when a bacterial infection is suspected
Surgery is generally considered when symptoms continue despite appropriate medical treatment. Options include FESS, removal of nasal polyps, septoplasty and turbinate reduction. Dr. Halikar will explain which, if any, is suitable for you, along with the expected benefits and risks.
What recovery generally looks like
Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia, and many patients go home the same day or the next day. Some nasal blockage, mild bleeding and crusting are common for the first one to two weeks.
Follow-up visits allow the nose to be cleaned and healing to be checked, and saline rinses are often advised. Medical treatment may still be needed afterwards, particularly for polyps or allergies, to keep the sinuses healthy.
Frequently asked questions
Will sinus surgery leave a scar?
FESS is performed through the nostrils, so there are usually no external cuts or scars.
Will septoplasty or sinus surgery change the shape of my nose?
These operations work inside the nose to improve breathing and drainage. They are not cosmetic procedures and are not intended to change the outside shape of the nose.
Can nasal polyps come back after surgery?
Yes, polyps can return, especially when they are linked to allergies or asthma. Ongoing medical treatment and regular follow-up help to keep them under control.
Does everyone with chronic sinusitis need surgery?
No. Many people improve with medical treatment. Surgery is usually considered only when symptoms continue despite appropriate treatment.
Dr. Halikar’s relevant experience
Dr. Sudhir Halikar is a Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon with 33+ years of experience. He trained at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, is a former Associate Professor at IMSR Medical College, and performs surgery at Noble Hospital.
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery with conventional instruments and the microdebrider
- Endoscopic frontal sinus surgery (Draf I–III), turbinoplasty and endonasal DCR
- Part of multidisciplinary ENT and neurosurgery teams for endoscopic repair of CSF leaks and pituitary surgery
- Organised the first Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery workshop in the Marathwada region
Related treatments
This information is general and not a substitute for a consultation.