Nasal and Sinus Surgery
The lining of your nose will swell after your surgery and it will feel blocked for at least 2-3 weeks
Some discomfort in the nose can be expected after your surgery For pain relief: take Panadol or Panadeine Forte or Pain Stop as
prescribed (DO NOT take aspirin or NSAID’s (arthritis medications) due to the increased risk of bleeding)
You can eat and drink what ever you like. Avoid excessive alcohol
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to reduce the chance of infection.
Please take your full course of antibiotics as prescribed
Irrigation of your nose with a Saline-Bicarbonate nasal irrigation is critical to your post-operative recovery
Purchase a nasal irrigation bottle (FESS Sinu Cleanse or equivalent). You can either purchase more sachets or make the solution cheaply yourself by making a mixture of equal parts of cooking salt and Baking soda (use 1 teaspoon of the mixture per bottle filled with boiled tap water (allow to cool). With your face over a sink, hold your breath and flush each nostril with saline irrigation 3-4 times per day. Continue this for at least 4 weeks or as instructed. If the irrigation is too salty then dilute with extra boiled water
A small amount of bleeding from the nose is to be expected. If the bleeding is heavy and persists then please go to your nearest major hospital Emergency Department to be assessed
Gently blowing the nose is not harmful after surgery. Hard nose blowing is best avoided
You may return to work when you feel well enough (generally after 4 – 5 days). Exercise or heavy lifting must be avoided for 3 weeks after your surgery
Follow Up
If you have not already booked a follow up appointment, please phone the rooms and book an appointment for 2-3 weeks after the surgery
Contact Numbers
A/Prof Melville da Cruz (rooms-office hours) 02 9635 1030
Westmead Private Hospital (after hours) ph 02 8837 9000
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR MELVILLE DA CRUZ – EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SURGEON POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION SHEET FOR SINUS SURGERY