How much does endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) cost privately in the UK? (2026)

Private functional endoscopic sinus surgery opens blocked sinus drainage pathways through the nose with a camera, for chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps that have not responded to medicines.

We looked at the self-pay price lists several hospital groups make public. For endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), the figures ran from £3,900, and the table gives each one with the hospital and the exact item named in its list.

A guide price can move after assessment, for example if your consultant recommends a different variant. Always ask for the final figure in writing before agreeing.

Using a camera through the nostrils, the surgeon removes diseased tissue and polyps and widens the natural openings of the sinuses. There are no external cuts.

Aftercare is part of the outcome. Ask how many clinic visits are included and what rinses and sprays you will need long term.

Chronic sinusitis is first treated with saline rinses, steroid sprays and sometimes courses of antibiotics or steroid tablets. Surgery is considered if symptoms persist despite proper treatment and a CT scan shows blocked drainage or polyps.

Because symptoms such as facial pressure can also come from migraine or dental problems, the CT scan is key to confirming sinus disease. Surgery improves breathing for many but ongoing rinses and sprays remain important.

Several things move the cost of endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) up or down. These are the ones worth asking about first.

• Extent of surgery: a limited operation on one side versus a comprehensive operation on both sides changes time and equipment.

• Hospital pricing: Nuffield Highgate lists sinus surgery at £3,900 among the prices we retrieved.

• Image guidance: navigation equipment adds to costs.

• Combined procedures: septoplasty or turbinate reduction at the same operation.

• CT scan and consultation beforehand.

Quotes rarely list everything, so it helps to know what to look for. The table sets out typical inclusions and extras for this procedure.

Insurers usually cover sinus surgery after documented medical treatment and CT evidence, with authorisation.

If you are using insurance, get pre-authorisation in writing before treatment and ask which fees your policy limits could leave uncovered. If you are paying yourself, some hospital groups offer medical finance subject to status; check the rate, term and total repayable before agreeing.

NHS sinus surgery is offered when medical treatment fails and CT confirms disease, with waits depending on ENT services.

In England the NHS aims to start non-urgent consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral, and patients can ask to be offered alternative providers if that is likely to be exceeded. Actual waits vary by trust and specialty.

Expect nasal congestion and crusting for a couple of weeks, with saline rinses and clinic clearing, and about a week off desk work.

Few people need more than the planned care, but the cost position if they do is worth settling before treatment.

• Surgery improves symptoms for many but polyps and sinusitis can return, and rarely eye or skull base injury or bleeding occurs; ask about outcomes and what is covered.

• Long-term nasal rinses and sprays are part of aftercare and have ongoing costs.

When you have two or three estimates, these questions help you see which is genuinely the better value.

• What extent of surgery is quoted?

• Is the CT scan included?

• Is image guidance included?

• What follow-up is included?

• Are professional fees and hospital charges shown as separate lines, and is the total a firm figure or an estimate?