Preparations for Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery may be required for people who repeatedly suffer from sinus infections. An ear, nose and throat specialist will help determine if you are a candidate for sinus surgery. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, the most common such surgery, helps restore normal drainage in your sinuses. Although the procedure is minimally invasive, general anesthesia is used. Being prepared for your sinus surgery will help you feel more comfortable as the day of the procedure approaches.

Prior to Surgery

• Before surgery, your ear, nose and throat specialist will conduct a thorough physical. During the physical, your doctor will use an endoscope to examine your nose and its lining, looking for any types of obstructions, pus or nasal polyps. Your doctor also may use a CT scan to determine the extent of your sinusitis. Your surgeon probably will request your medical history from your primary care physician so he has a clear picture of any risk factors in your history.

  Your doctor could prescribe medications for you to take prior to the surgery to help prepare your sinuses for the procedure by reducing any swelling. Your physician probably will require you to avoid certain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding during and following the surgery. Aspirin and any aspirin-related products should be avoided. You can take Tylenol up until the day of the surgery.

For After Surgery

• Before your surgery, be sure to stock up on medications you will need following the procedure. Buy a nasal saline mist, available over the counter at any drugstore. You can use a mist within hours of your surgery to help keep your nose moist. You also should have the over-the-counter medication Afrin available immediately after your surgery to help stop any bleeding.
  Be prepared to visit the doctor the day following your surgery. He will clean out your nose.

Other Tips

• You cannot eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your surgery. General anesthesia cannot be used unless your stomach is empty. However, if you take medication, check with your doctor. Normally, you can take medication with a small sip of water.
  If you are a smoker, you will need to stop three to four weeks before your surgery. Smoking can lead to increased scar tissue and slower healing. You will need to continue to avoid smoking for a month after your surgery.