Both pre- and postoperative precautions enhance the benefits of the sinusitis surgery. However, in many cases of sinusitis surgery, poor follow-up and improper post-operative care minimize or offset the benefits of the procedure, and create complications. To avoid all these problems, patients may follow the instructions listed below and their surgeon’s advices in letter and spirit:
Pre-operative Care
Prior to the surgery, an anesthesiologist must review medical history of the patient.
The surgeon may order pre-operative laboratory studies, which should be done in advance. Patients should carry all the studies on the day of the surgery.
Do not take any medication containing aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or aspirin 7-10 days before the surgery. Consult your doctor before administering any drug.
In many cases, doctors advise not to drink or eat eight hours before the surgery.
Follow preoperative advice given by the doctor.
Patients should not smoke before the surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and coughing.
If patient has any illness like fever, it should be reported to the doctor prior to the surgery.
Do all paper work properly before the surgery.
Wear loose fitting clothes that can be removed easily. Do not wear jewelry and accessories like watches, earrings, etc. Neither apply cream nor make-up. Avoid hair clips. Wash the face with water and soap before the surgery.
Post-operative Care
A responsible person should be with the patient on the first night after the surgery.
The surgeon may advice use of saline irrigation and the suitable method of irrigation.
Mostly, patients are allowed to go home as soon as they recover from anesthetic. After reaching home, patient should rest in the bed. Use 2-3 pillows to elevate the head. Raised head will reduce swelling and edema.
Swelling around eyes and of cheeks, nose and upper lip is normal. It may take some days to subside. You can use ice pack on the face to reduce it. The ice pack will also reduce pain and edema if these symptoms appear after the surgery. Use ice pack for 15-minute, then take 15-minute break, then reuse it.
Some nose bleeding is normal. The bleeding will reduce slowly. Use gauze dressing in case of nose bleeding.
Do not take drugs containing aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or aspirin unless prescribed by the doctor. Consumption of these drugs may slow blood clotting and increase bleeding.
Eat cool, soft, light food. Do not consume hot liquids for many days. Eat slowly to avoid postoperative vomiting and nausea.
Take adequate rest.
Complete the course of antibiotics if doctor has prescribed. Or, any other medicines prescribed by the doctor.
