As a medical journalist, I often step into hospital corridors not as a patient, but as an observer—listening to clinicians explain conditions that quietly affect quality of life. During a recent visit to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, I interviewed Dr. Shama Kovale to better understand how Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Mumbai is practiced in a tertiary-care setting. The discussion focused not on surgical headlines, but on clinical decision-making, patient selection, and long-term outcomes for chronic sinus disease.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, commonly known as FESS, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore normal drainage of the sinuses. In metropolitan settings, it is frequently considered for patients with chronic sinusitis who do not respond to prolonged medical therapy.
During our discussion, Dr. Shama Kovale explained that Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Mumbai is not approached as a first-line treatment. Instead, it follows detailed evaluation, imaging studies, and medical management. The goal, she emphasized, is functional restoration—improving airflow and sinus ventilation—rather than removal of tissue without indication.
Based on verified professional information and my in-person interaction, Dr. Shama Kovale is a formally trained ENT surgeon with specialized experience in nasal and sinus disorders. Her academic background includes medical training in otorhinolaryngology, followed by years of focused clinical practice in managing sinusitis, nasal obstruction, and voice-related disorders.
Recognized as a Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai, Dr. Shama Kovale’s work reflects a balance between conservative medical care and surgical intervention. Practicing as an ENT Specialist in Mumbai, she routinely encounters complex cases referred from across the city, particularly patients with long-standing sinus complaints affecting sleep, breathing, and daily productivity.
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is structured as a multi-specialty tertiary care center, and this is evident in its ENT facilities. During my visit, I observed dedicated outpatient consultation areas, diagnostic endoscopy units, and advanced operating theatres equipped for minimally invasive ENT surgeries.
Dr. Shama Kovale explained that the hospital’s setup allows seamless coordination between radiology, anesthesia, and post-operative care teams. Such infrastructure is particularly relevant for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Mumbai, where image-guided systems and endoscopic visualization enhance surgical precision and safety.
From a clinical perspective, not every sinus patient requires surgery. Dr. Shama Kovale emphasized that FESS is typically recommended for individuals with: