Sinus/Septoplasty/Turbinate Discharge Instructions

After anesthesia

Review any post anesthesia instructions.
Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours or while taking pain medication.
Do not consume alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping medications or any non-prescribed medication for 24 hours.
Do not make important decisions, sign any important papers, or use internet for the next 24 hours.
You should have someone with you at home for 24 hours.

Oozing, not hemorrhaging, for the first few days is normal.
You will have a gauze pad under your nose, held in place with a sling. Change the gauze as needed. Changing the gauze every 30 to 40 minutes the first night is normal. The amount of bleeding will decrease for 2-3 days.
Excessive bleeding (gushing, saturating gauzed in less than 30 min, or blood running down the throat) is not normal. If this occurs, spray 2-3 sprays of Afrin in the nose and call the office immediately, day or night.
Try not to blow your nose until advised by your doctor that you may do so. It is better to sniff than blow. Saline nasal sprays can make this easier. Mild blowing if needed to clear clots is OK.
Avoid lifting, bending and any activity that increases pressure in the head.
Nasal congestion due to internal swelling will gradually improve over the first 1-2 weeks.

Most patients are sent home with a narcotic pain medication. Take this as needed and as directed.
It is common that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are adequate for the pain. Acetaminophen can be started right after the procedure, but the ibuprofen should be started the next day. You can alternate between these medications.
- The maximum dose of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period is 3000 mg.
- The maximum dose of ibuprofen in a 24-hour period is 2400 mg.

Ice packs also work well for the first 2 days after surgery. Gently place ice over surgery sites as needed. Please place a thin, clean towel over skin first and then place ice bag over towel. Direct contact with the skin can cause injury. Ice for 10 minutes at a time every hour.
It is always best to taper narcotics as soon as possible if possible due to side effects: nausea and vomiting, headaches, itching, constipation, drowsiness, cognitive effects, and the addiction potential.

If plastic splints were stitched inside your nose, they will be removed at your post-op appointment.
AVOID bumps and blows to the nose.
Do not manipulate the splints.

Nasal packing was removed prior to discharge, the day of surgery.
Nasal packing was left in your nose. Your doctor will instruct you about its removal.

Day of surgery, spray plain saline every 30-60 minutes to keep nasal membranes moist and prevent crusting. You may continue to use saline spray for comfort as desired after 24 hours.
Day after sinus surgery, irrigate your nose with the saline kit. Irrigate your nose twice a day until follow-up appointment. (Or instead of kit, you may use a bulb syringe and mix your own solution of ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon baking soda in 8 oz. warm water.

You need to be up and around for daily activities. It is OK to lie down when tired but refrain from staying in bed for extended periods during the day. Lack of moving around increases the risks of blood clots in the legs and pneumonia.
There should be no strenuous activity or heavy lifting (15 pounds) for 1 week.

There are no dietary restrictions. It is normal to have a sore throat. You can eat whatever is comfortable. Sore throat lozenges can be used to help the discomfort. The other pain medications will also help.

Constipation after surgery is very common. It is caused by the anesthetic and narcotics. It is very important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. It can be prevented with stool softeners (Metamucil, Citrucel, Colace) or laxatives (MiraLax). These are over-the-counter and do not need a prescription. Use as directed on the packaging.

Nausea: If nausea or vomiting continues beyond the day of surgery, anti-nausea medications or a change in pain medication may be needed.
Fever: 101F degrees F (38.5 deg C) or above may require increasing fluid intake or the need for antibiotics.
Dehydration: Drinking adequate fluids is essential to recovery, call if patient is not drinking enough.
Bleeding: Call the surgeon’s office if significant bleeding occurs. This may look like bloody drainage, significant swelling at the operative site, or both. Seek medical attention immediately if you have trouble swallowing, talking, or breathing.
Swelling & Pain: Call for excessive swelling and pain not responding to pain meds
Difficulty urinating If no urine in more than 6 hours, seek help at an emergency department.

Note: Some pain medications require a written prescription at the pharmacy, so call for refills before you run out of medication.

For questions, concerns, medications, or emergencies, call our office day or night – (425) 775-6651

Puget Sound Ear, Nose and Throat

Dr. John Parker, Dr. Michael Wolfe, Dr. Tyler Kimbrough, Dr. Lisa Mulligan, Dr. Amy Anstead

Same and next day appointments available