Sinus Surgeries

A sinusitis surgery is basically done to employ sophisticated procedures involving the opening of nasal cavities to remove the sinuses and to rectify the anatomical abnormalities of the nasal structure during recurring events of sinusitis. The surgery may also be conducted to create a common cavity for drainage and to ventilate the cavities. There have been recorded improvements with more than 85% of people affected with sinusitis following this surgery worldwide.

A sinusitis surgery may be required by a person in the following two scenarios;

• In case dangerous problems arise due to sinusitis
• When sinusitis symptoms persist even after undergoing suggested treatments

The Surgical Process

The whole surgical process takes place in 3 stages:

First, the medical history of a patient subjected to sinusitis surgery will be reviewed and will be recommended for any lab tests, if required, several days prior to the surgery date.
During the actual surgery the patient is put to “sleep” using a safe level of anesthesia and continuously monitored. Conducted by a head surgeon and assisted by a nurse, the whole surgical process requires several hours to be completed.
After the surgery, the patient is brought to the recovery room and may be discharged on the same day if the surgery results in no complications.

Special care needs to be considered after the surgery to avoid any surgical related complications for the patient.

• The patient requires bed rest with the head elevated using 2-3 pillows and care needs to be undertaken to relax on bowel movements by using laxatives during constipation.
• Swellings on the nose, face or eyes are normal after a sinusitis surgery and can be counteracted by applying ice-packs on the swellings for about 15 minutes.
• Using gauze dressing for a few hours helps absorb blood during post-surgery bleeding.
• Patients are recommended to have a soft, light and cool diet to prevent nausea or vomiting.

The time required for recovery after a sinusitis surgery would normally be around 3 to 5 days but it could even extend from 4 to 7 days in case of a major surgery.

General Instructions and Preventive Measures

It is important to fix an appointment and revisit the surgeon for removing the nasal packing placed during the surgery. Ensure the following before visiting your surgeon:

• Intake of light meals
• Avoid excessive pain medications before the visit.

Extra care should be taken not to blow or sneeze through the nose for 7 to 10 days to avoid the risk of any bleeding and a complete rest from school or work would be required unless advised by the surgeon.

Prevention of re-initiation of sinusitis is extremely important during this stage. Intake of plenty of fluids, avoiding contact with allergens and preventing the attacks of cold and flu are recommended to prevent sinusitis from occurring again.