- Traditional sinus surgery removes diseased or obstructive sinus tissue resulting in improved natural sinus drainage. Post-operative care is as important as the sinus surgery.
- Balloon sinuplasty or sinus ostial dilation surgery is a newer method to address sinus disease. It involves expanding the natural drainage openings of the sinus passages. It is an approved, safe procedure that may be done in the operating room or office setting for some patients.
- There are many risks and complications of sinus surgery; failure to resolve infection, recurrence of the original sinus problem, bleeding, chronic nasal drainage, failure to resolve all original sinus problems, damage to the eyes or base of the skull, pain, reduction or loss of sense of smell or taste, or the need for additional surgery and medical consultations.
- If the sinus surgery is in the operatiung room with general anesthesia:
- Prior to surgery, the patient needs to refrain from food and drink for 8 hours, have no fever, and arrange for someone to bring the patient to and from the hospital
- On the day of surgery, the patient should have all paperwork and meet the anesthesiologist; the patient should only take the medication approved by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
- The surgery may take several hours.
- After sinus surgery, most patients can go home accompanied by a friend or relative; bed rest with the head elevated is recommended along with an ice pack wrapped in a towel to stop any bleeding that commonly occurs.
- Recovery may take about 3 to 5 days; patients should take their prescribed medications and avoid any strenuous activities until cleared to do so by the surgeon.
- Follow-up care is critical for recovery; keep all appointments and follow instructions in regard removing nasal packing and especially instructions on nasal irrigation (many surgeons request patients to remain in the area for 3 weeks after surgery in case any problems develop).
- Notify the surgeon for excessive bleeding, fever greater than 101.5 F (38.6 C) that persists even with Tylenol use, sharp pain or headache not responsive to medications, increased swelling of nose or eyes and thin clear fluid draining from the nose.
- Self-care and prevention of complications include maximizing moisture in the nose (moisturize frequently), moisturizing sprays such as “Ocean Spray” are useful), avoid allergens, colds and the flu (make sure flu shots are up-to-date).
- If the sinus surgery is in the office-based setting or the balloon sinuplasty method is used, the surgeon and clinical team may have you refrain from eating and drinking if sedation is used. In some cases, the procedure may be done under local anesthesia only.
- Recovery on the day of balloon sinuplasty is usually quicker than with general anesthesia. The post-operative recovery will also take several days, include nasal irrigation, and include follow-up in the office.
- It is important to note that balloon sinuplasty has not been shown to be superior to traditional sinus surgery regarding the long-term outcome for patients and the elimination or recurrence of disease.
(Patient Instructions) Sinus surgery facts Traditional sinus surgery removes diseased or obstructive sinus tissue resulting in improved natural sinus drainage. Post-operative care is as important as the sinus surgery. Balloon sinuplasty or sinus ostial dilation surgery is a newer method to address sinus disease. It involves expanding the natural […]
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