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18. How much pain is involved in sinus surgery?

sinus-faq18-drmcgraw Becky L McGraw-Wall, M.D.
Houston, TX

The level of pain perception and tolerance is different for every patient. However, most patients admit that they are pleasantly surprised about the relatively little amount of pain they feel postoperatively. There is significant nasal congestion, which may cause facial pressure or pain in some patients.



sinus-faq18-drhwang

Peter Hwang, M.D.
Associate Professor and Director
Stanford Sinus Center

Stanford, CA

In general, the discomfort associated with sinus surgery is easily managed with oral pain pills. Most patients will use narcotic medication for no more than 1-5 days after surgery. Most of my patients experience less pain than they anticipated with the surgery. While it is rare to have postoperative facial swelling or bruising, the nasal cavity will be swollen for 1-2 weeks, which can make it temporarily difficult (but not painful) to breathe through the nose.



sinus-faq18-drferguson

Berrylin J. Ferguson, M.D.
Pittsburgh, PA

This varies from patient to patient. Most patients describe a mild to moderate discomfort.




sinus-faq18-drkingdom

Todd Kingdom, M.D.
Denver, CO

There should be little pain associated with sinus surgery. The major complaint is nasal congestion after surgery, not pain typically. Medications are given to control the discomfort and should be more than adequate. If a patient is experiencing a high level of pain then I will immediately re-evaluate the situation. Difficult-to-control pain after surgery is unusual and, may signal a complication.




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