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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
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Treatment OptionsSurgical Treatment OptionsAdenoidectomy | Endoscopic Sinus Surgery | Ethmoidectomy |Extended Endscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery | Frontal Sinusotomy | FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) | Maxillary Sinusotomy | Open Frontal Sinus Surgery | Polypectomy | Reduction Removal of Inferior Turbinate | Reduction Removal of Middle Turbinate | Septoplasty | Sphenoidotomy | Tumor Removal After Surgery An endoscopic procedure usually lasts from one to three hours and is performed using general or local anesthesia. Generally, the patient goes home after surgery unless other medical conditions complicate recovery. Full recovery may take several weeks. Dry blood, mucus, and crusting in the nose may occur, and present symptoms similar to a severe cold or sinus infection. To facilitate normal sinus activity, your surgeon may recommend nasal irrigation or saline sprays and antibiotic lubricants. Proper post operative care is essential to prevent scar formation and allow normal healing. In general, the surgeon who performed your procedure will do all required follow-up procedures with an endoscope in his or her office. Wound care
Nasal packing is usually used after surgery for two important reasons: it can help control bleeding and provide support to certain areas of the surgery site. It is important not to blow your nose while the packing is in place. Many surgeons use packing material that slowly absorbs over time and does not need to be removed after surgery. With certain types of packing, the end of your nose may be taped to keep the packing in place or to prevent premature removal of the packing. If both sides of your nose are packed, breathe through your mouth while the packing is in place. If this causes your mouth to feel dry, ice chips or mouthwash can be used to moisten your mouth. Humidifiers may also be helpful. It is normal to have bad breath or smell a foul odor while the packing is in place. Care after removal of packs or splints
An antibiotic is usually prescribed for 7-10 days following your surgery, and your doctor may also prescribe pain medication. Activity It is important that you do not swim or participate in strenuous activities for 10-14 days following your surgery, as this may cause bleeding to occur. Diet Patients who have received general anesthesia may experience some nausea. Therefore, a bland, light or liquid diet for the first day after surgery is recommended. A regular diet may be resumed if nausea does not persist. Follow-up You will need to see your doctor for a follow-up appointment 1-7 days after your surgery, depending on the presence or type of packing used, or need for post operative cleaning. Specific instructions will be given to you when you are sent home after surgery. Saline Irrigations Ten days after your nasal surgery, saline irrigations are frequently recommended to reduce crusting and to keep the sinus opening clear. Call your doctor immediately if any of the following occur:
Patients who depend on their voice for their livelihood should be warned that endoscopic sinus surgery may have an effect on their resonance. Additionally, some patients may have underlying nasal mucosal problems that remain after surgery. This is seen in highly allergic individuals or asthmatics. Email This Article To A Friend Printer-friendly Version Find an ENT Professional Near You
THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 IMMEDIATELY. All articles and graphics copyright ©2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Medtronic, Inc. All rights reserved. Version 2.0 This web page was first published on June 05, 2002, and was last updated on June 14, 2006. |
