PostOp Instructions

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EXPECTED DATE OF DISCHARGE: Same day discharge unless otehrwise instructed by your doctor

NUTRITION: Regular Diet as tolerated

ACTIVITY: 

MEDICATION: 

HYGIENE: 

DRESSINGS: 

FOLLOW UP: 

1. You may have some mild bleeding from the front of your nose down the back of your throat for 2-3 days. A gauze pad and tape ("mustache dressing") placed on under your nose will help catch any drops of bleeding so it does not soil your clothing.
2. Sometimes small pieces of plastic ("silastic") are placed om each sinus cavity for 1 week after surgery to help the healing process. There are remoed by your doctor in the office with some anesthetic spray in the nose. It is unusual for one of these stents to falll out on its own. If it does, it's not an emergency. Call your doctor and let them know a convnient time.
3. Facial pain and nasal congestion may persist for up to 2 weeks.
4. You will experience mild to moderate nasal pain and tenderness for approximately 2-3 weeks after you surgery but many patients are able to go back to work within 3-5 days.
5. Your throat may be sore for several days after surgery
6. If you vomit, there may be some dark red blood in the vomit as is usually of no consequence uless excessive
7. Sometimes a splint may be placed inside the nose. This is usually removed after surgery. Packing of the nose may cause more sore throat ( drinking water helps this).

Specific Instructions:

1. Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks after surgery. If you blow too hard you may dislodge a blood clot and restart some bleeding. This will usually last for several minutes but may persist for 15-20 minutes. In addition, if you blow your nose during this period your eyes may "puff up" with air
2. If you sneeze, open your mouth and let the pressure out your mouth as opposed to your nose
3. A mixture of water and salt sprayed or inhaled into the nasal cavaties is manatory after surgery to clear the crusts and help to promoste healing. You can buy this mixture prepared already from the drugstore called Neil Med rinse. Alternatively you can make your own salt water mixture by adding ½ tsp of salt to approximately 250 mL (8oz) of water. Place some of this mixture in the palm of your hand and inhale or "snort" it into one nostril while plugging the opposite nostril with a finger. Repeat this procedure for the other nostril.
4. Do not take any aspirin or products containing aspirin for 2 weeks after your surgery as they may cause bleeding. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol regular or extra strength) for mild pain. If you are given a prescription for more severe pain, be sure to follow the instructions and remember that many of these pain medications cause constipation. It is a good idea to take extra fibre (e.g.: bran muffins, Metamucil) or other laxatives (e.g.: prunes) while using these medications
5. An antibiotic by mouth is commonly prescribed for 1 week after surgery to help the healing process and prevent secondary infection. If you are given a prescription for an antibiotic, make sure you follow the complete instructions and complete the full course of therapy. Make sure your nurse, doctor and pharmacist know of other drugs you are taking as well as any allergies you have to prevent adverse drug interations and allergic reactions. 

Contact Your Doctor or Go To the Emergency Department if:

1. Persistent fever, chills, sweating, headaches or neck stiffness
2. Any rash
3. Persistent bleeding which will not stop after 20-30 minutes
4. Persistent leakage of clear fluid from the nose
5. Not being able to urinate with the first 12 hours after the operation
6. Shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs

EXPECTED DATE OF DISCHARGE:  1-2 days unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

NUTRITION:   Normal diet.

ACTIVITY:   Avoid strenuous activities for 1 week.

MEDICATION: Take the pain medication ordered by your doctor. If no prescription, take Tylenol 1-2 tablets every 3-4 hours, as you need them.

HYGIENE: You may take a shower or bath 48 hours after your surgery. Do not worry if your incision gets wet. Pat the incision dry with a clean towel. Do not take off the dressing.

DRESSINGS: No bandages will be required. You may have paper tapes over your incision. Remove paper tapes 7 days after your surgery.

FOLLOW UP: You will have an appointment to see your doctor in a week or when the pathology report is in the office. We will contact you with this appointment.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF:

1. Fever over 38.3°C or 101°F
2. Increased redness, swelling, or discharge from your incision
3. Spasms of the hands, feet or twitching of your muscles
4. Numbness in face and hands
5. Difficulty breathing
6. Increasing pain not relieved by your pain medication

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