
(A) Frontal Sinus
(B) Ethmoidal Sinuses
(C) Superior Turbinate
(D) Middle Turbinate
(E) Inferior Turbinate
(F) Maxilary Sinus
(G) Lacrimal Sac
(H) Naso-lacrimal Duct
( I ) Nasal Passage
Figure 1. Cross section of the nasal septum. Many blood vessels converge in the inner lining at the front portion of the nose
WHAT IS FESS?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS is done to treat severe sinus infections or complications that arise from sinusitis. The ENT surgeon uses small instruments to go through the nose and open the sinuses. This procedure helps to restore normal drainage in the sinuses, thereby minimising future sinus infections.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SURGERY?
As the sinuses are located deep within the nasal cavity next to the eye and the brain, these major structures may be affected less than 1% of the time. If this indeed happens, your child may require a second or subsequent operation to repair the injured structure.
There is a very small risk of blindness or brain damage when this occurs.