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Nasal & Sinus Solutions

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
in Austin, TX

Advanced, minimally invasive sinus surgery using 3D image-guided technology for patients with chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections. Outpatient procedure with excellent long-term outcomes.

Request an Appointment Call 512-339-4040
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Cutting-Edge Sinus Surgery

What is endoscopic sinus surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is an outpatient procedure that uses a thin lighted scope passed through the nostrils to open blocked sinus passages and remove diseased tissue. It's performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical setting and typically takes 1–3 hours. There are no external incisions and no facial bruising. It's used to treat chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections when medications and minimally invasive procedures like balloon sinuplasty haven't provided lasting relief.

Amazing surgical advances over the last decade allow our skilled ENT doctors to perform cutting-edge sinus surgery for patients with severe sinus disease. Endoscopic sinus surgery can now be performed without the pain and complications of previous sinus surgeries.

The goal of endoscopic sinus surgery is to remove blockages in the sinuses that cause pain and breathing problems. Removing blockages will help the sinuses drain, improve airflow through the nasal passages, and reduce the number and severity of sinus infections.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Facial pressure
  • Runny nose
  • Postnasal drip
  • Decreased sense of smell
Watch & Learn

How Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Works

Endoscopic sinus surgery uses a small instrument with a camera and light at the end, allowing the surgeon to view the sinuses and determine what is causing the blockages — then safely and effectively remove them through the nostrils.

Watch this video to learn more about how the procedure is performed at Capital ENT.

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The Procedure

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery — Step by Step

Step 1: Outpatient Procedure

Traditional endoscopic sinus surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia. You go home the same day.

Step 2: Endoscopic Visualization

Using a nasal endoscope — a small instrument with a camera and light at the end — the sinus surgeon can view the sinuses and determine what is causing the blockages.

Step 3: Blockage Removal

The doctor inserts specialized instruments into the nostrils to safely and effectively remove sinus blockages, including polyps, diseased tissue, and any other obstructions preventing proper drainage.

Advanced Technology

3D Image-Guided Surgery

We frequently perform 3D image-guided sinus surgery, which uses real-time CT imaging to guide our surgeons during your procedure. The images move on the screen with the surgeon's hand movement, which allows for unmatched precision and a reduced risk of complications during and after your procedure, as well as improved patient outcomes.

Combined with rotating suction instruments to remove nasal polyps, powered sinus washing devices to treat infection, and instruments to straighten the septum and reduce the size of the turbinates if necessary, endoscopic sinus surgery is highly successful in treating patients that have experienced lifelong sinus issues.

  • Real-time 3D CT imaging during surgery
  • Rotating suction instruments for polyp removal
  • Powered sinus washing to treat infection
  • Endoscopic guided cultures for targeted antibiotics
  • Septoplasty and turbinate reduction when needed
What to Expect

Quicker Recovery With Advanced Techniques

With the advanced techniques employed by the physicians at Capital ENT, the procedure typically takes 1–3 hours and most patients go home the same day as an outpatient procedure.

Our surgeons also use endoscopic guided cultures to enable utilization of culture-specific antibiotics — meaning your post-operative care is targeted precisely to your specific infection for faster healing and better results.

  • Procedure typically takes 1–3 hours
  • Same-day discharge — go home the same day
  • Culture-specific antibiotics for faster healing
  • Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks
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Recovery Timeline

What to expect after your procedure

1

Day of Surgery

Go home the same day. Rest with head elevated — light bleeding and congestion is normal.

2

Days 2–7

Mild congestion and fatigue. Follow-up visit with your surgeon; targeted antibiotic therapy begins.

Week 2

Most patients return to work and normal daily activities.

Insurance & Cost Information

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a medically necessary procedure for patients with chronic sinusitis that hasn't responded to medication. Our team handles insurance verification and authorization so you know your coverage before surgery is scheduled.

  • Covered by most major insurance plans when medically necessary
  • Prior authorization and benefits verified before scheduling
  • Often combined with septoplasty or turbinate reduction in one surgery
  • HSA and FSA accounts accepted
  • Flexible financing available through CareCredit for out-of-pocket costs

Schedule a Sinus Consultation

Our board-certified sinus surgeons will evaluate your condition and discuss the best treatment path. Same-day and next-day appointments often available.

Schedule an Appointment
Or call us at 512-339-4040
Common Questions

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery FAQ

Endoscopic sinus surgery (also called FESS — functional endoscopic sinus surgery) is an outpatient procedure that uses a thin lighted scope passed through the nostrils to open blocked sinus passages and remove diseased tissue. There are no external incisions and no facial bruising. It is used to treat chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections when medications and minimally invasive options haven't provided lasting relief.
FESS typically takes 1–3 hours depending on how many sinuses are involved and the complexity of the disease. It's performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical setting, and you'll go home the same day. You'll need a driver to take you home after anesthesia.
Most patients experience surprisingly little pain after endoscopic sinus surgery — typically more of a "stuffy head" pressure than sharp pain. Tylenol with ibuprofen or Aleve usually controls discomfort well; narcotic pain medication is rarely needed. Because there are no external incisions, there is no facial bruising or visible swelling.
Most patients return to work and light activity within 5–7 days. Expect nasal congestion, light bloody drainage, fatigue, and reduced sense of smell for 1–2 weeks. Saline nasal rinses at least 4 times daily are critical — the more you rinse, the less crusting needs to be removed in clinic and the better you heal. Avoid blowing your nose for 2 weeks; sneeze with your mouth open. Skip strenuous exercise for 2 weeks and don't fly for 2 weeks. Full symptom benefit typically develops over 4–6 weeks as the sinuses normalize.
Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and most commercial plans, cover endoscopic sinus surgery when medically necessary. Coverage typically requires documented chronic sinusitis with imaging (CT scan) and failure of conservative treatment. Capital ENT's team verifies your benefits and obtains any required prior authorization before surgery is scheduled.
FESS is appropriate for patients with chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections who haven't responded to medications and, in many cases, less invasive options like balloon sinuplasty — following the stepwise approach in the AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis. It's particularly suited for patients with nasal polyps, fungal sinusitis, significantly diseased sinuses, or structural problems that need correction. A CT scan and clinical evaluation help confirm whether FESS is right for you.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is very safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. Common temporary effects include congestion, light bleeding, and fatigue. Serious complications — bleeding requiring transfusion, CSF leak, injury to the eye or optic nerve — are rare (well under 1%). Modern image guidance technology, which Capital ENT uses, further reduces these risks by giving the surgeon a real-time 3D view of your anatomy during surgery.
Balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure under IV sedation that dilates blocked sinus openings without cutting or removing tissue — best for patients with chronic sinusitis but otherwise relatively normal sinus anatomy. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed in an outpatient surgical setting under general anesthesia and removes diseased tissue, polyps, or bone obstructing the sinuses — best for more advanced disease or anatomical problems. Your CT scan and clinical exam determine which is right for you.
Yes — post-op debridements (in-office cleaning of the sinuses) are an essential part of recovery. They remove crusting and blood clots so the sinuses heal open instead of scarring closed. Capital ENT typically schedules the first debridement about a week after surgery, with additional visits as needed. These visits are billed separately and most insurance plans cover them under CPT code 31237.
Yes, often substantially. Many patients with chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps have a reduced or absent sense of smell because inflammation and tissue swelling block airflow to the olfactory nerves. Opening the sinuses and removing diseased tissue usually restores or significantly improves smell over the weeks after surgery. Recovery of smell can continue for several months.
Related Services

Other Nasal & Sinus Solutions

Balloon Sinuplasty

A minimally invasive, in-office alternative to traditional sinus surgery. Capital ENT was the first practice in Austin to perform balloon sinuplasty — more than 15 years ago — and our team has collectively completed 10,000+ sinus surgeries.

Learn more →

Septoplasty

Surgical correction of a deviated septum to improve nasal airflow and reduce sinus issues. Often performed alongside endoscopic sinus surgery.

Learn more →

Turbinate Reduction

A procedure to reduce the size of enlarged turbinates, improving nasal breathing and airflow through the nasal passages.

Learn more →

Polypectomy

Removal of nasal polyps that obstruct the sinuses and nasal passages, often performed as part of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Learn more →
Reviewed by Dr. Zachary Wassmuth, Board-Certified Otolaryngologist

Ready to Breathe Freely Again?

Our board-certified sinus surgeons have performed thousands of endoscopic sinus procedures. Same-day and next-day consultation appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations.

Request an Appointment Call Austin: 512-339-4040
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