In this Article

• What are the risks and complications of sinus surgery?
• What happens before the surgery?
• What takes place the day of the surgery?
• What happens during surgery?
• What happens after surgery?
• General Instructions and Follow-Up Care
• When should I notify the doctor?
• Sinus Surgery Index

When should I notify the doctor?

• A sudden increase in the amount of bleeding from the nose unrelieved by pressure, ice, and head elevation.
• A fever greater than 101.5 degrees F which persists despite increasing the amount of fluid you drink and acetaminophen (Tylenol). A person with a fever should try to drink approximately one cup of fluid each waking hour.
• Persistent sharp pain or headache which is not relieved by the pain medication you were prescribed.
• Increased swelling or redness of the nose or eyes.
• Drainage of a thin, clear fluid in large quantities from usually only one side of the nose. This would be different from the clear, thicker mucus normally produced by the nose.

Self-Care and Prevention

It is important for all patients with chronic sinus disease to understand that they have a chronic illness. Successful sinus surgery will only help control the complications and discomfort of chronic sinus disease. The following three areas of prevention should always be remembered:

• Maximize Moisture. Patients should always remember to maximize moisture in their nose. Keeping your sinuses moist makes your mucus thinner, allowing your sinuses to drain better. This in turn helps prevent infection. Use a humidifier, drink plenty of water, avoid drying substances such as alcohol and coffee, try to avoid smoke which dries out sinus linings, and use plenty of saline irrigation.
• Avoid Allergy Particles (Allergens). You may want to wear a mask when you clean or are exposed to dust. Sit in the non-smoking sections of restaurants. Avoid exposure to pollens during peak season, and keep an air-conditioner on during allergy season.
• Prevent Colds. Avoid exposure to colds and flu whenever possible.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) - Medical information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Learn uses, risks, and how to prepare for an MRI scan
• Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip - Information on post nasal drip and chronic rhinitis includes symptoms such as itchy runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, ears, and throat, and nasal congestion.
• Ultrasound - Learn an ultrasound procedure, and conditions and diseases it assists in diagnosing and screening like tumors, cysts, heart conditions and more.

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