Although complications from the manipulations performed during the post-operative visit are very rare, the theoretical risks are the same as the surgery itself. Consent for surgery includes consent for post-operative care, since the surgery and post-operative cares are so closely related. Failure to follow the postop care regimen can adversely affect the outcome of the surgery.
Important Instructions for the Post-Operative Period
Start your nasal irrigation on the day after surgery. You will be given instructions on how to perform the irrigation.
Do not blow your nose for two weeks after surgery. (Occasionally, you will be given instructions not to blow your nose for longer periods of time.)Do not bend, lift or strain for two weeks after surgery. These activities will promote bleeding from your nose. You should not participate in rigorous activity until healing is completed. Do not suppress the need to cough or sneeze; instead, cough or sneeze with your mouth open. Do not take aspirin and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, others) for a full 7-10 days after surgery. Take your prescribed antibiotics as directed by your physician. If you are taking blood-thinning drugs (Coumadin,Plavix) on the recommendation of a physician, please ask your physician about the best time to resume these medications. In general, you may resume other medications on the day after surgery. If you have any questions, please ask your physician. Please call us immediately if you note fever (temperature above 38o C) clear watery drainage from your nose, changes in your vision, eye swelling, worsening headache and/or neck stiffness.
What can I expect to experience during the post-op visits?
You can expect some bleeding from your nose for several days after the surgery and again after each
office debridement. When bleeding occurs down the front of your nose or into the back of your throat, you should tilt your head back while sitting up and breathe gently through your nose.
If bleeding persists for an extended period of time, please call the office. As the sinuses begin to clear themselves, you can expect to have some thick brown drainage from your nose. This is mucus and old blood and does not indicate an infection. You may experience some discomfort postoperatively due to manipulation and inflammation. Take your pain medication as directed. Often extra-strength Tylenol is sufficient. You may wish to take medication for pain prior to your post-operative visits (particularly early on, when the nose is most sensitive). If the medication is sedating, be sure to have someone available to
drive you. Do not hesitate to contact our office for any questions or for any possible emergency situation. If necessary, do not hesitate to go to the emergency department nearest to you for immediate care
