FESS
Medical abbreviation · Surgical
| Stands for | Functional endoscopic sinus surgery |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
FESS stands for Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, a surgical abbreviation.
Minimally invasive surgery performed through the nostrils with an endoscope to open blocked sinus drainage pathways, remove polyps and restore normal mucus clearance. It is used for chronic rhinosinusitis that persists despite medical treatment.
Example: FESS with bilateral maxillary antrostomies and ethmoidectomies; image guidance used.
Usage notes
The approach was developed by Walter Messerklinger and popularized by Heinz Stammberger and David Kennedy, who coined the term FESS in 1985. Image-guided navigation helps surgeons working near the eye and skull base. Often shortened to ESS (endoscopic sinus surgery).
Related abbreviations
More surgical abbreviations
- EBL – Estimated blood loss
- ERAS – Enhanced recovery after surgery
- EUA – Examination under anesthesia
- Ex lap – Exploratory laparotomy
- Ex-fix – External fixator
- Fem-pop – Femoral-popliteal (bypass)
- FS – Frozen section
- FTSG – Full-thickness skin graft
- HIPEC – Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
- I&D – Incision and drainage
- IM – Intramedullary (nail or rod)
- IOL – Intraocular lens
See all 51 surgical abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.