Endoscopic Sinus Surgery +/- Septoplasty

Diet:
Resume your previous diet.

Activity:
Do not blow your nose. Sneeze and cough, if needed, with mouth open.

Keep the head raised 30 degrees at bedtime for 48 hrs. after surgery.

Avoid straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks.

You may return to work or school 7 days after surgery.

Medications:
Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.

Discomfort is usually relieved by Tylenol with codeine or extra-strength Tylenol. If a stronger medication is prescribed, follow directions carefully.

Do not take ASPIRIN or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These “thin the blood” and slow clotting of the blood.

Use salt water nasal spray (Ocean, Nasal, Aire, etc.), 2 sprays in each nostril 5 times per day for the first 30 days after surgery. This keeps the nasal tissues moist, cleans the nose, promotes healing and keeps crusting to a minimum.

If a septoplasty was performed, place a small dab of one of the following ointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin or Polysporin) just inside both nostrils for 7 days after surgery.

Change the nasal drip pad as needed.

Follow-up:
Return to the office in 10-14 days.

Information:
Bloody nasal drainage is normal and will reduce over the first 7 days.

Difficulty breathing through the nose is normal and will reduce over the first month after surgery.

Call the doctor for excessive bleeding, eye pain, change in vision or fever over 100.4 degrees.

Headache, nasal pain, and nasal pressure are normal after surgery.