Avoiding contact with allergens and proper treatment of allergies are the best options to prevent or treat sinusitis. Patients should remember that surgery-sinus is not a substitute for allergy controls. No surgical process is completely safe. There is thus always a chance of complications, which may develop during and / or after surgery-sinus. Some of which are discussed here.
- Blood transfusion or blood products may rarely be needed to offset the impact of bleeding during the surgery. Advance arrangement for blood will be useful in case an emergency arises. Patients shall seek advice of their surgeons and physicians well in advance.
- Crusts may form in the nose.
- The nose may become excessively dry.
- Chronic nasal drainage may become a cause of concern.
- The surgery-sinus may not resolve the problem of sinus infection. Another round of surgical procedures may be required. A failed surgical attempt may obstruct the nose.
- Sinus problems and polyps may reoccur even after the surgery.
- The surgery may not resolve cough, bronchitis, asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
- Headaches associated with sinuses may not be resolved.
- Help of a neurologist and other medical specialists may be required.
- The surgery may damage the eye and related structures.
- Spinal fluid may leak or brain abscess may develop due to injuries to the skull during the surgery. The membrane covering the brain may swell.
- Palate or upper teeth permanently becomes numb.
- Impaired healing and lingering pain may lead to hospitalization of the patient.
- The sense of taste or smell may worsen and may be completely lost.
- A sudden increase in the nose bleeding requires doctor’s attention.
- A fever higher than 38.6 degree Celsius may occur after the surgery.
- Redness or swelling of the eyes or nose may increase after the surgery.
- Heavy bleeding may occur.
- During ethmoidectomy, the optic nerve and the muscle controlling eye movement may damage, as the ethmoid sinuses are located near the eyes. These damages are difficult to repair. If bleeding into the eyes happen, it will affect the vision.
- Maxillary antrostomy may cause injury to the tear ducts. Tear production may increase. Nose may bleed.
- Complications and risks may aggravate if the patient already has other medical problems. So, while discussing surgery-sinus with your doctor, do not hide your medical history and current medical conditions.
- In rare cases, blindness or death may occur.