Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Refrain from eating or drinking after midnight the night before the surgery because general anesthetic will be utilized. Your surgical team will let you know about any additional preparations, such as:
- Prescription medications to be taken before and after surgery to help reduce inflammation.
- A preoperative physical exam is performed by your primary care physician to provide medical clearance for the surgery. Your surgeon and primary care doctor may also order lab tests and studies.
- Smoking cessation is often required, and should start three to four weeks before surgery and continue for a month after surgery. Smoking causes increased scar tissue and poor healing, which leads to failure of endoscopic sinus surgery.
- Stopping certain medications and supplements could help reduce your risk of bleeding during and after sinus surgery, as well as prevent interference with anesthesia. The following should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery:
- Aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Fish oil, vitamin E and herbal medicines such as gingko biloba, ginseng and garlic tablets.
- St. John’s wort (may interact with anesthesia)
- Anti-coagulation medicines such as warfarin and clopidogrel (blood-thinning medications)
- Purchasing over-the-counter medications: Having the following over-the-counter medications handy before your surgery may help during recovery:
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be taken as needed after surgery to control pain. Most patients do not require narcotic medication, but a prescription can be provided if needed.
- Decongestant nasal spray with Afrin (oxymetazoline) can be used only if you have excessive oozing from the nose after surgery. Oxymetazoline causes vasoconstriction and decreases bleeding. Do not stick the plastic nozzle of the spray bottle inside your nose. Only allow the spray to enter the nostril.
What You Need To Know
Endoscopic sinus surgery, sometimes called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat problems in the sinuses.
- An outpatient technique called endoscopic sinus surgery is carried out while the patient is unconscious and under general anaesthetic.
- Endoscopic surgery can be performed to treat chronic sinus infections, remove nasal polyps and tumors, and cure other sinus issues.
- The problem area is accessed and treated through the nostrils by the physician using an endoscope and other equipment.
- After surgery, minor bleeding, discomfort, congestion, discharge, and exhaustion may occur, although they should subside in one to three weeks
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