How Long Is Sinus Surgery

What Are Some Complications Associated With Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgeries, like any procedure, do carry some risk of complications. Generally, with less-invasive surgery methods such as FESS or balloon sinuplasty, you may experience some mild swelling and sometimes crusting after the procedure.

In some cases, patients may experience some of the following complications:

• Bleeding This usually occurs within the first 24 hours after surgery. A blood clot may form, and in some cases, it may need to be removed by your doctor. Scar tissue may form as a result.
• An impaired sense of taste or smell Usually when the nasal passages are cleared, patients have an improved sense of smell and taste. The opposite can also sporadically occur.
• Nasal obstruction Cartilage may move after surgery, and in rare cases, it can cause a persistent blockage. Small scar bands may also form and need to be removed.
• Numbness Patients may feel some numbness in the front upper teeth, lip, or nose.
• Changed appearance The septum helps form the bridge of the nose, and although its not common, surgery on the septum can cause a change in appearance.
• Pain and dryness If surgery involves the reduction of nasal turbinates , some patients may feel a sensation of dryness or pain afterwards, although this is rare.

Advanced Sinus Surgery Relieves Nasal Polyp Symptoms Without A Long Recovery

Most of us have experienced the temporary misery of a stuffy nose or sinuses, especially during cold and allergy season. It can be hard to breathe, smell, and your head may feel as if it weighs a ton. But at least its temporary.

For people with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps, this is their life.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that dangle like grapes from the linings of the nasal passages or sinuses. They can develop in anyone, but approximately 25-30 percent of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis a persistent, long-term sinus inflammation disorder develop nasal polyps.

Despite their name, these annoying growths dont always originate in the nose. Polyps can form in any part of the sinuses, often appearing where the sinuses drain into the nose near the eyes, base of the brain, and cheekbones.

Small nasal polyps may not cause any symptoms, but if they grow large enough, they can block your nasal passages and lead to a host of symptoms, including:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Reduced sense of smell
• Pressure in your face or forehead

Approximately 4% of adults have nasal polyps, which affect twice as many men as women. The growths can make you more susceptible to sinus infections, asthma flare-ups, and sleep apnea.

From personalized medications to state-of-the-art procedures, we have all the tools and are dedicated to finding the best treatment for each patient.

A close-up look at the results of functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Can I Sleep On My Side 2 Weeks After Rhinoplasty

Azizzadeh recommends his patients avoid sleeping on his or her side or front for the first few weeks after a nose surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh also recommends a rhinoplasty patient to sleep elevated with two to three extra pillows to try to reduce facial swelling for the first few weeks following surgery.

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When Should You Call Your Surgeon For Complications Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

• A sudden increase in the amount of bleeding from the nose unrelieved by pressure, ice, and head elevation.
• A fever greater than 101.5 F that persists despite increasing the amount of fluid intake and acetaminophen use.
• Persistent sharp pain or headache that is not relieved by the prescribed pain medication.
• Increased swelling or redness of the nose or eyes.
• Drainage of a thin, clear fluid in large quantities from usually only one side of the nose. This would be different from the clear, thicker mucus drainage normally produced by the nose.

Nonendoscopic Conventional Sinus Surgery Vs Fess

• References

It was previously believed that once the mucosa had become chronically inflamed, it was irreversibly damaged and had to be removed. This was the rationale behind the Caldwell-Luc surgical technique, which involves removal of the diseased lining of the maxillary antrum . Similarly, the external surgical approaches to the ethmoid and frontal sinuses were designed to be radical operations in which the disease was completely cleared. These procedures left scars and caused significant bruising and discomfort. The Caldwell-Luc procedure also caused numb teeth. These conventional procedures, as well as the sinus washout, concentrate on the secondarily infected sinus while ignoring the important pathology within the nose.

Patient undergoing Caldwell-Luc surgery, involving removal of the diseased lining of the maxillary antrum.

FIGURE 13.

Patient undergoing Caldwell-Luc surgery, involving removal of the diseased lining of the maxillary antrum.

The rationale behind FESS is that localized pathology in the osteomeatal complex blocks the ostia and leads to inflammation in the dependent sinuses . The surgical interventions of the procedure are designed to remove the osteomeatal blockage and restore normal sinus ventilation and mucociliary function .

The focal point of the surgery is the osteomeatal complex. The procedure may be performed with local anesthesia, with or without sedation. FESS is suitable for outpatient surgery.

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How Long Is Recovery Time

Your recovery time depends on your overall health and which sinus surgery you have . Usually, you should plan to be away from work or school for at least several days after your surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how best to care for yourself to help speed recovery.

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My Sinus Surgery Experience

Day Of Surgery.

We had to be at the hospital before daybreak. My dad and husband went with me I was so grateful to have them there. You have to have at least one person with you to drive you home.

When we get to the hospital, the front desk took my name and asked us to sit and wait in the waiting room for a few minutes. 30 minutes later they called my name and officially checked me into the hospital. They put a band on my wrist and gave my husband and dad instructions on how to get updates on my condition.

We were directed to go upstairs to the surgery prep area. I had to leave my Dad behind because only one person was allowed to come with me at first.

When we got to the room the nurse gave me a hospital gown . At least a half dozen medical personnel came in and out of the room asking questions. I ended talking at length with the anethestalogist about my past history of anesthesia making me nauseous. They took all precautions they had to keep my stomach as settled as possible including putting the equivalent of a seasick patch behind my ear. Something they did worked because while I felt very sick after the surgery, I did not actually get sick. I kept the patch behind my ear for several days.

I was incredibly nervous during this whole process and expected someone to offer me the medicine to calm my nerves. No such luck. They said they had to ask you all of the procedure questions with you completely aware.

The Next Few Days

Sunday

Monday

Wednesday

2 Weeks post op

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How Can You Reduce Your Chances Of Problems After Sinus Surgery

Theres no way to completely eliminate the possibility of problems after sinus surgery, but many post-operative issues can be avoided by a skilled, experienced surgeon. Dr. Cecil Yeung is a top sinus specialist with more than 20 years of experience in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of chronic sinusitis. In fact, he pioneered the use of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the Houston area and has been recognized by his peers, hospitals, and professional societies for his high level of innovation and skill.

He has performed more than 4,000 sinus surgeries and has an average re-do rate of less than 1% far less than the national average of 30%. In fact, Dr. Yeung has directly taught FESS techniques to many other doctors in the area.

In addition to his technical skill, Dr. Yeung provides compassionate care combined with the convenience of offering everything from your initial consultation to your surgical procedure under one roof.

If youre having sinus problems such as chronic sinusitis, make an appointment with Dr. Yeung today. Hell help diagnose the underlying cause of your issues and develop a treatment plan to help you get the relief you deserve.

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What Happens On The Day Of Sinus Surgery

• It is important that patients know precisely what time they are to check-in with the surgical facility, and that they allow sufficient preparation time. Bring all papers and forms, including any preoperative orders and history sheets.
• Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes that do not have to be pulled over their head. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home, including earrings, watches, rings, etc. Remove all make-up with a cleansing cream. Patients should thoroughly wash their face with soap and water. Do not apply make-up or cream to the face. If possible, avoid using hair clips or other materials to hold up hair.
• Do not take any medication unless instructed by the doctor or the anesthesiologist. Usually, in the pre-operative holding room, a nurse will start an intravenous infusion line and the patient may be given a medication to help them relax.

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How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Sinus Surgery

September 1, 2021 Written by: Michael Menachof Categories: Sinus

Dr. Menachof, MD, has specialized in conditions around the head, throat, ear, nose, neck and face for over 20 years, and was the first to bring sublingual allergy drops to Colorado in 2005. He has been recognized as a Fellow by multiple academies, named one of Americas Top Facial Plastic Surgeons continually since 2003 and is featured in multiple national publications.

Learn more about the recovery process after sinus surgery and how long you can expect it to take.

Sinus surgery has come a long way. With advancements in technology and techniques, recovery time from sinus surgery has decreased over the past decade. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days, but healing differs with each person for a few reasons, including:

• Unique anatomy of the nose
• Individual recovery speeds
• Extensiveness of each sinus surgery

Your doctor will help you determine exactly how long your recovery will take. While you can typically return to work within a few days, it can take a few months and up to a year to realize the full benefits and improvements from your sinus surgery.

What Are The Most Common Problems After Sinus Surgery

Chronic sinus problems can cause pain and misery, and if medications arent effective enough, your doctor may recommend sinus surgery. Surgery can help you achieve long-term relief, but problems after sinus surgery can occur in some instances.

In this blog, Dr. Cecil Yeung of Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute will explain some of the common problems after sinus surgery, as well as how you can minimize your risk.

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What Happens During Sinus Surgery

You will receive local or general anesthesia for the procedure. The surgery may last from 1 to 3 or more hours depending on the type of surgery being performed. When the surgery is finished you will be taken to a recovery room to wake up from the anesthetic. Before leaving the surgery center you will be given instructions on what to do at home to help speed up your recovery and healing.

What Happens Before Sinus Surgery

Your doctor will do a preoperative screening, and may prescribe medicines to prevent infection, swelling or other complications during the procedure. You will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery. Your doctor should let you know all medications or supplements to avoid before the surgery that may lead to bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. You must not drive for at least 24 hours after anesthesia.

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Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Recovery Time

People are often concerned about the recovery after the Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery or FESS. Ideally, patients suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis should consider undergoing surgery. Patients who are not satisfied with the results of medicines or antibiotics should also consider this option. With the help of FESS surgery, the ENT Specialists are able to cure deviated septum, nasal polyps, acute or chronic sinusitis, and enlarged turbinates. Doctors explain that the success of the sinus surgery depends majorly on the recovery.

Take this article as a guide to the recovery after the FESS surgery. This primarily covers the common questions that people have related to the recovery of sinus surgery.

Caring For Your Nose At Home

It is normal to have a blocked nose after nasal surgery. Often the nose is clear immediately after the operation, but gradually blocks up over the next few hours. It is common for the nose to be blocked for three weeks before the nasal airway begins to improve. This is because the nasal airways are narrow, and even a small amount of swelling of the lining of the nose can cause a blocked nose. Usually you will have some watery blood-stained discharge from the nose, which settles after a few days. Occasionally some crusts or scabs will form in the nose as part of the healing process. Please resist the temptation to pick these out, as it could cause a nosebleed, or infection in the nose. You can use saline washes to help clear them.

You will usually be given some drops and washes to use in the nose after your operation. These can be sniffed through the nose to help clear the nasal airways.

You should not fly for three weeks after nasal or sinus surgery as the cabin pressure changes and very dry air increase the risk of having a nosebleed.

Occasionally patients who have had a septoplasty or septorhinoplasty experience some numbness or tingling of the tip of the nose or front, upper, teeth. This is caused by irritation of the nerve that supplies the area, which runs along the bottom of the nasal septum. In most cases this will settle with time, although it can take several months as nerves heal very slowly.

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Common Side Effects And Best Practices For Recovery

Youll most likely have some nasal dripping or mucus that is bloody this is normal. But you will need to avoid blowing your nose for 4 to 7 days after surgery. Blowing could disrupt the delicate sinuses as they heal.

Your doctor might insert nasal packs at the site of the surgery and remove them in the days afterwards. Your doctor will ask you to schedule a few postoperative appointments. They can clear your nasal passages safely and carefully.

How Long Do Sinus Stents Stay In After Sinus Surgery

Like any other surgery, it usually takes time for one to recover after undergoing sinus surgery. As the body heals itself during this period, it is typical to experience inflammation and scarring. Both of these things increase the likelihood of the sinuses getting blocked. And since this is something that can lead to discomfort and health problems, taking every measure to ensure that it does not happen is crucial for recovery.

Sinus stents are devices that come in handy in helping to enhance sinus and nasal relief. They achieve this by propping the sinuses physically to keep them from closing. And since they also deliver an anti-inflammatory drug to this area, they help reduce the potential blocking effect of uncontrolled inflammation.

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What Instructions To Follow After Fess Surgery

After proper consultation with the doctor, the patient should take leave from their work so that they can rest properly. Also, prior to the surgery, he or she should ask someone to accompany them to the hospital and drive them back home after.

During the discharge, the doctor provides a list of dos and donts that patients should follow after the surgery. This ensures that the side effects are curbed as well as the patient is able to recover fast. Below are some general instructions that ENT doctors advise to follow-

• Avoid excessive straining or heavy lifting or blowing the nose for at least 10 days of the surgery or else, this can cause bleeding.
• After 1 week of the surgery, the patient can start light exercising and normal workout 2 weeks after the surgery.
• Do not take aspirin or Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motril, Advil and Aleve for two weeks after the surgery. Take these medicines only after proper consultation with the doctor.
• After surgery, to get relief from the stuffiness and open the nasal airways, use nasal saline mist spray every 2-3 hours. Fortunately, these sprays are easily available over-the-counter. However, make sure you avoid using steroid nasal sprays.
• The day following the surgery, start irrigating the sinuses with saline rinse kits. Doctors prescribe nasal irrigation at least twice a day. This irrigation technique cleans out the debris and bloody discharge inside the nose and sinuses.

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Initial Evaluation And Treatment

• References

As with many disease processes, the history of a patient with sinusitis is probably the most important part of the preoperative assessment . All patients with severe or persistent symptoms should be evaluated, and many can be helped with advice and medical treatment.

The fiberoptic endoscope enables the surgeon to examine the nose in great detail and is an essential tool for diagnosis. Patients with seasonal or perennial rhinitis should be given advice about avoidance of allergens and treatment with topical nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines. Acute infective sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and vasoconstrictor nasal sprays. If medical treatment has failed, the patient may be a suitable candidate for an endoscopic procedure.

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