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Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in India

Also known as FESS, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, sinus surgery, nasal polyp surgery, balloon sinuplasty, chronic sinusitis surgery

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in India
Cost from$2,000 – $4,500 In hospitalUsually a day case or a single overnight stay Stay in Indiaabout 7-10 days Success80-90% Procedure time1-2 hours AnaesthesiaGeneral Opinion in24 hours

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

Save 65-80% on the same endoscopic technology

Partner hospitals use the same endoscopic equipment, navigation systems and balloon sinuplasty technology used internationally, at a fraction of the cost.

ENT surgeons with high sinus surgery volume

Chronic sinusitis is very common in India; partner ENT surgeons perform a high volume of FESS procedures, including more complex, extensive cases.

Both standard and balloon-assisted options available

Whether your case suits traditional FESS instruments, balloon sinuplasty, or a combination, partner hospitals offer the full range rather than a one-size approach.

Clear post-operative care guidance

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

CountryIndicative 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

  1. Consultation and reviewAn ENT surgeon reviews your CT scan and symptoms remotely to confirm the diagnosis and the likely extent of surgery needed.
  2. 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.
  3. AnaesthesiaYou are placed under general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with sedation in select cases.
  4. 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.
  5. Packing placement, if neededSoft nasal packing or splints may be placed at the end of surgery to support healing and control bleeding.
  6. Recovery in hospitalYou are monitored as you wake from anaesthesia, checking for bleeding and confirming you're comfortable before discharge.
  7. 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

Where it is done

Frequently asked questions

Will this surgery cure my sinusitis permanently?
Most patients experience significant, lasting improvement, though chronic sinusitis, particularly with nasal polyps, can sometimes recur over time. Ongoing nasal care and, in some cases, medication after surgery helps maintain results.
Is this a major surgery?
It's a well-established, minimally invasive procedure done entirely through the nostrils with no external incisions, generally considered a lower-risk ENT procedure compared to more invasive alternatives.
Will I have visible scarring?
No. The entire procedure is performed through the nostrils, so there's no external incision or visible scar.
What is balloon sinuplasty and is it right for me?
It's a technique using a small balloon to gently widen sinus openings, an option for certain patients either instead of or alongside traditional instruments. Your surgeon will confirm if it suits your specific case based on your CT scan.
How long will I have nasal packing?
If packing or splints are used, they're typically removed within a few days to about a week, at which point nasal saline irrigation usually begins.
How long do I need to stay in India?
Around 7-10 days in total, covering the pre-operative workup, surgery, packing removal if applicable, and a follow-up check before you travel home.
Why is sinus surgery so much cheaper in India than in my home country?
Lower hospital overheads, surgeon fees and cost of living bring the price down significantly, not the surgical technique or equipment, which match international ENT standards.

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.