Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in India
Also known as FESS, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, sinus surgery, nasal polyp surgery, balloon sinuplasty, chronic sinusitis surgery
The short answer
Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in India costs between $2,000 and $4,500, against $8,000 to $15,000 in the US and UK. A thin camera and specialised instruments are passed through the nostrils to clear blockages and improve sinus drainage, treating chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps that haven't responded to medication.
About Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other conditions blocking normal sinus drainage, when these haven't responded adequately to medication such as nasal sprays, antibiotics, or allergy treatment. Working entirely through the nostrils with a thin endoscope and small instruments, no external incisions are needed.
What the surgery involves
The surgeon guides an endoscope through the nose to get a clear view of the sinus passages, then uses specialised instruments to carefully remove blockages, such as swollen tissue, nasal polyps, or scar tissue, and widen the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses. The goal is to restore normal sinus ventilation and drainage, not to remove healthy tissue.
How extensive the surgery needs to be
The extent of surgery depends on how many sinuses are affected and how severe the blockage or polyps are, ranging from a more limited procedure addressing the main affected sinuses to more extensive surgery opening multiple or all sinus groups. Your surgeon determines the right extent based on your CT scan and endoscopic examination, which is why cost and recovery can vary between patients with the same general diagnosis.
Balloon sinuplasty as an alternative or addition
Balloon sinuplasty is a related technique that uses a small balloon to gently widen sinus openings, similar in concept to balloon angioplasty for blocked arteries, and can be used on its own for milder cases or alongside traditional FESS instruments for a more complete procedure. It's generally associated with less tissue removal and can suit certain patients well, though not every case is suited to a balloon-only approach.
Nasal packing and immediate aftercare
At the end of surgery, the surgeon may place soft nasal packing or splints to support healing and reduce bleeding, typically removed within a few days to about a week. You'll be given specific guidance on caring for your nose during this period, including keeping your head elevated and avoiding nose blowing, which supports proper healing of the sinus passages.
Why patients choose India for this
Partner hospitals use the same endoscopic equipment, navigation systems and balloon sinuplasty technology used internationally, at a fraction of the cost.
Chronic sinusitis is very common in India; partner ENT surgeons perform a high volume of FESS procedures, including more complex, extensive cases.
Whether your case suits traditional FESS instruments, balloon sinuplasty, or a combination, partner hospitals offer the full range rather than a one-size approach.
Since proper aftercare (packing removal, nasal irrigation, activity guidance) meaningfully affects healing, partner hospitals build structured follow-up into your treatment plan before you travel home.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery cost
| Country | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| India — with Nobel Medi Assistance | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| United States | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| United Kingdom | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| UAE / Middle East | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Singapore | $5,000 - $8,000 |
Figures are indicative for international patients and depend on the hospital, the surgeon and your reports. Your exact cost is confirmed in writing after a specialist review — free, and with no obligation.
What the estimate covers
Included
- ENT surgeon and surgical team fees
- Operation theatre and anaesthesia charges
- Endoscopic equipment and, if used, balloon sinuplasty devices
- Hospital stay for the planned duration
- Routine medicines during the hospital stay
- Nasal packing removal and initial follow-up check
Not included
- Diagnostic workup, CT scan and nasal endoscopy done before arrival in India
- Flights, visa and travel insurance
- Accommodation for the recovery period after discharge
- Septoplasty or turbinate reduction, if performed as an additional procedure beyond the original plan
- Treatment for complications unrelated to the surgery
- Extended nasal saline irrigation supplies and follow-up visits after returning home
How Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is done
- Consultation and reviewAn ENT surgeon reviews your CT scan and symptoms remotely to confirm the diagnosis and the likely extent of surgery needed.
- Pre-operative workupOn arrival, a nasal endoscopy and, if not already done, a CT scan confirm the exact sinus involvement and finalise the surgical plan.
- AnaesthesiaYou are placed under general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with sedation in select cases.
- Clearing the sinus passagesThe surgeon uses an endoscope and small instruments, or a balloon device, to remove blockages and widen the natural sinus drainage pathways.
- Packing placement, if neededSoft nasal packing or splints may be placed at the end of surgery to support healing and control bleeding.
- Recovery in hospitalYou are monitored as you wake from anaesthesia, checking for bleeding and confirming you're comfortable before discharge.
- Discharge and follow-up planningYou go home the same day or after one night, with a schedule for packing removal (if used) and follow-up nasal care guidance.
Recovery and what to expect
- First 24-48 hoursNasal congestion, mild discomfort, and some blood-tinged drainage are common; keeping your head elevated helps reduce swelling.
- Days 3-7Nasal packing or splints, if placed, are typically removed during this window; nasal saline irrigation usually begins to support healing.
- 1-2 weeksCongestion gradually improves; heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and nose blowing are generally restricted during this period.
- 2-4 weeksMost patients notice significant improvement in breathing and sinus symptoms as swelling continues to settle.
- 4-6 weeksFull healing of the sinus lining is generally complete, with follow-up endoscopy sometimes used to confirm healing is on track.
Specialists who perform this

Dr. Shashidhar TB
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) 👑 19+ years
Dr. Atul Kumar Mittal
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) 👑 33+ years
Dr. K. K. Handa
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) 👑 36+ years
Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) 👑 40+ years
Dr. Noor Ul Din Malik
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) 👑 14+ years
Dr. Arvind Soni
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) 👑 36+ years
Dr. Anish Gupta
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) 👑 23+ yearsWhere it is done
Frequently asked questions
Will this surgery cure my sinusitis permanently?
Is this a major surgery?
Will I have visible scarring?
What is balloon sinuplasty and is it right for me?
How long will I have nasal packing?
How long do I need to stay in India?
Why is sinus surgery so much cheaper in India than in my home country?
What would your Endoscopic Sinus Surgery cost?
Send your reports and a senior specialist sends back a written plan with costs within 24 hours. Free, with no obligation.



