TWO WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) should be strictly avoided for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Medications in this family include: aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and naproxen. These medicines may increase the risk of bleeding. Also, discontinue all homeopathic or alternative medicines such as gingko biloba or ginseng. These too, may increase bleeding.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE AFTER ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY:
- You should anticipate frequent visits to our office for three to six weeks after surgery until healing is complete. The postoperative cleaning, (called sinus debridement), of your nasal/sinus area is a very important part of your care. This can help to prevent persistent or recurrent disease, and lessen the chance for adhesions or scar bands forming at the operative site.
- You can expect some bleeding for several days after the surgery and after each cleaning in the office. Do not snort the blood through your nose or blow your nose briskly as this will promote more bleeding for the first week.
- After two to three weeks, you will have thick, brown drainage (mucus and old blood) from your nose. This is normal.
- Avoid lifting more than 15 pounds, bending excessively, or straining for one to two weeks after surgery, since this may promote bleeding. Also, avoid vigorous exercise until healing is complete.
- Do not resume aspirin containing products or NSAIDs until this had been discussed with your surgeon along with your primary care physician and/or cardiologist.
- If you need to cough or sneeze, do so with an open mouth since this will prevent any excessive postoperative bleeding. Do not blow your nose until four to seven days after surgery.
- Use a saline nasal spray to cleanse your nose (Ocean Spray, Simply Saline, etc.) two to four times/day. This will help prevent large crusts forming in your sinuses. Steroid nasal sprays may also need to be continued in the postoperative healing period.
- If a persistent clear, watery drainage comes from your nose, you develop any visual changes, worsening headaches, or stiff neck please report this to us as soon as possible.
- Contact us for any emergencies or problems.
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Illinois (847) 674-5585 www.entillinois.com
