FESS Surgery in Mumbai – Dr. Shama Kovale at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Persistent sinus problems can affect breathing, sleep, concentration, and everyday comfort. Symptoms such as a blocked nose, facial pressure, recurring headaches, postnasal drip, reduced sense of smell, and thick nasal mucus may sometimes continue despite medicines and nasal sprays. When chronic sinus disease or structural blockage requires surgical treatment, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) may be considered. fess surgery in mumbai is a minimally invasive approach designed to open blocked sinus pathways while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.
Dr. Shama Kovale is a Senior Consultant ENT surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Andheri West, with more than 23 years of experience in ENT and voice surgery. Her expertise includes endoscopic sinus surgery, revision FESS, nasal polyposis, fungal sinusitis, airway procedures, ear microsurgery, cochlear implants, and voice and swallowing disorders.
What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, commonly known as FESS, is an endoscopic procedure used to treat selected chronic sinus conditions. The procedure is performed through the nostrils using an endoscope, so external facial incisions are generally not required.
The goal is to improve drainage and ventilation of the affected sinuses by addressing blocked or diseased areas while preserving healthy nasal and sinus structures. According to Dr. Kovale’s FESS information, the procedure may be considered for patients with conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, acute or chronic fungal rhinosinusitis, and persistent sinus symptoms.
When May FESS Be Recommended?
Not every patient with sinus symptoms requires surgery. Medical treatment is often considered first, depending on the underlying condition. FESS may be discussed when symptoms remain persistent or when structural blockage, polyps, or other disease prevents adequate sinus drainage.
Symptoms that may warrant an ENT evaluation include:
Persistent nasal blockage
Facial pressure or pain
Recurrent sinus headaches
Thick or persistent nasal discharge
Postnasal drip
Reduced sense of smell
Recurrent or chronic sinus infections
Nasal polyps
Symptoms lasting for approximately 12 weeks or longer
A detailed examination is necessary because similar symptoms can occur with allergic rhinitis, a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or other nasal conditions.
How Does FESS Work?
FESS uses a small endoscope to provide a magnified view of the nasal passages and sinus openings. The surgeon can identify obstructed or diseased areas and treat the affected sinus pathways through the nostrils.
One of the important features of modern endoscopic sinus surgery is its focus on preserving healthy tissue. The reference information for Dr. Kovale describes FESS as targeting blocked or infected sinus passages while preserving healthy structures.
The procedure is generally minimally invasive and may be performed as a daycare procedure. The supplied reference states that FESS typically takes approximately 60–90 minutes and that patients may return home on the same day, although the exact duration and recovery can vary according to the complexity of the condition and the procedures performed.
Diagnosis and Planning Before FESS
Accurate diagnosis is an important part of successful sinus surgery. Dr. Shama Kovale uses high-definition nasal endoscopy and CT imaging to assess individual sinus anatomy and identify areas of blockage or disease. This can be particularly useful in patients with nasal polyps, complex sinus disease, or previous sinus surgery.
Before surgery, patients may undergo:
Detailed ENT consultation
Nasal endoscopy
CT imaging of the sinuses
Assessment of previous treatments
Pre-surgical medical evaluation
Discussion of anesthesia and postoperative care
The findings help the surgeon determine whether FESS is appropriate and which sinus areas require treatment.
Conditions Treated with Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
FESS can be used for selected sinus conditions where medical management has not provided adequate relief or where anatomical disease requires intervention.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis can cause persistent nasal obstruction, facial pressure, discharge, and reduced smell. When inflammation and blockage persist despite appropriate medical treatment, endoscopic surgery may be considered.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, swollen growths associated with inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining. They can contribute to nasal obstruction and reduced smell. FESS may be used to remove obstructive polyps and improve access and drainage of affected sinuses.
Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Fungal sinus conditions can require specialized evaluation and treatment. Dr. Kovale’s stated expertise includes fungal sinusitis and endoscopic sinus surgery.
Revision Sinus Surgery
Some patients who have undergone previous sinus surgery may develop recurrent symptoms or require further treatment. Dr. Kovale’s profile specifically lists revision FESS among her areas of expertise.
Dr. Shama Kovale – Qualifications and Experience
Dr. Shama Kovale is an ENT specialist and Senior Consultant at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri West. Her qualifications include MBBS, DLO, and MS in ENT, with her ENT postgraduate training at B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, Mumbai. She is certified in endoscopic sinus surgery and ear microsurgery and regularly participates in national and international ENT conferences.
Her profile reports more than 23 years of experience in ENT and voice surgery. Her clinical expertise includes ear, nose, throat, voice, swallowing, and airway disorders, along with advanced procedures such as endoscopic sinus surgery, cochlear implantation, microlaryngoscopy, and airway reconstruction.
Her specialized training includes experience associated with UC Davis in the USA and Hinduja Hospital in India. She is also described as a faculty speaker at national and international ENT conferences and as the head of the Voice and Swallowing Centre at Kokilaben Hospital.
For patients researching the Best ENT in Mumbai, Dr. Kovale’s combination of extensive ENT experience and focused expertise in endoscopic sinus and airway procedures provides an option for specialist evaluation.
Advanced ENT Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri West provides a hospital-based environment for advanced ENT diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Kovale leads the hospital’s dedicated Voice and Swallowing Centre, which provides specialized services including swallowing assessments, cochlear implant programs, office-based procedures, laryngoplasty, and treatment for voice disorders.
Her broader ENT practice includes nose and sinus disorders, chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, deviated septum, nosebleeds, ear disorders, throat conditions, allergies, pediatric ENT problems, and advanced ENT surgeries.
This broad clinical scope is relevant for patients whose sinus symptoms may occur alongside other ENT concerns.
Recovery After FESS
Recovery varies depending on the patient’s diagnosis, the extent of surgery, and whether additional procedures are performed. The supplied FESS reference states that many patients can return to daily activities within approximately 3–5 days.
Modern techniques can also reduce the need for traditional nasal packing. Dr. Kovale’s reference page notes that absorbable dressings are used in most cases.
Patients should follow all postoperative instructions regarding nasal care, medications, activity restrictions, follow-up appointments, and management of allergies or other underlying conditions.
Is FESS a Permanent Solution?
FESS is designed to address structural blockage and diseased sinus pathways, but long-term outcomes depend on the underlying condition. The supplied reference notes that continued management of allergies, environmental factors, lifestyle considerations, and appropriate follow-up can be important after surgery.
An ENT specialist can explain the expected benefits, limitations, recurrence considerations, and long-term care requirements during consultation.
Consult Dr. Shama Kovale for Sinus Problems
If chronic sinus symptoms are interfering with your breathing, sleep, sense of smell, or daily activities, an ENT evaluation can help determine the underlying cause. People searching for ENT Specialists Near Me in Mumbai can consider the doctor’s qualifications, experience, relevant surgical expertise, diagnostic facilities, and hospital setting when selecting an ENT specialist.
Dr. Shama Kovale provides evaluation and treatment for chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, nasal polyps, fungal sinusitis, and other nose and sinus conditions at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Consult Dr. Shama Kovale at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for timely evaluation and expert hearing care.
Give Us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is FESS surgery?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, or FESS, is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to treat selected chronic sinus conditions. It is performed through the nostrils and focuses on improving drainage and ventilation of affected sinus pathways while preserving healthy tissue.
2. Who may need FESS?
FESS may be considered for selected patients with persistent chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, fungal rhinosinusitis, or structural sinus blockage, particularly when appropriate medical treatment has not adequately controlled symptoms. An ENT evaluation is necessary before surgery.
3. How long does FESS take?
The reference information states that FESS typically takes approximately 60–90 minutes. It may be performed as a daycare procedure, with patients returning home the same day. The actual duration depends on the condition and procedures required.
4. What is the recovery time after FESS?
Recovery varies, but the supplied information states that many patients can return to daily activities within approximately 3–5 days. Follow-up care and nasal treatment are important during healing, and the surgeon provides individualized postoperative instructions.




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