Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Symptomatic Relief: A Patient Perspective

Abstract

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (F.E.S.S.) is an efficient, safe treatment of chronic sinus disease. A retrospective individual review of 81 patients (41 males, 40 females) all having undergone F.E.S.S. at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, reveals positive patient reactions. The senior author (N.H.) performed all surgery on an outpatient basis. Surgery has been classified by the Anand & Panje staging system. Each patient was sent a comprehensive questionnaire at least 6 months postoperatively. A critical assessment was completed of subjects ‘ preoperative and postoperative histories along with a patient survey of their personal perspectives on preoperative symptoms and postoperative symptomatic relief. This paper describes patient perspective outcomes of symptomatic relief in patients who underwent F.E.S.S. Ninety-four percent of the patients indicated overall improvement. Ninety-one % of the patients who responded were satisfied with results, and 86% of the patients stated they would undergo this procedure again if necessary.