Our Summary

The research paper discusses the importance of after-surgery care for people who have had surgery on their paranasal sinuses (the air-filled spaces within the bones around your nose). The main steps of care include washing the nose with salt water, starting from the first day after surgery. It also suggests using topical steroids and antibiotics if an infection occurs. Doctors should also remove any mucus from the lower part of the nose during the first week. Starting from the second week, any scabs in the area where the surgery was performed should be removed under the guidance of an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and a video camera at one end). This should be done at intervals that suit the individual patient. The paper also suggests that blocking the nose while the skin is healing can help keep the area moist, which can improve the healing process.

FAQs

  1. What are the main steps of after-care following paranasal sinus surgery?
  2. When should a patient start removing scabs from the surgery area and how should this be done?
  3. How can blocking the nose while the skin is healing help improve the healing process?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including washing the nose with salt water, using prescribed medications, and keeping the nasal area moist to aid in healing. It is important to attend follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery are those who have chronic sinusitis that has not responded to other treatments such as medications or nasal sprays. Other conditions that may warrant sinus surgery include nasal polyps, deviated septum, sinus tumors, or recurrent sinus infections. Patients who have sinus issues that affect their quality of life, such as difficulty breathing, frequent headaches, or loss of smell, may also be candidates for sinus surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo sinus surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider after evaluating the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to discuss symptoms and treatment options.
  2. Diagnostic tests such as CT scans or endoscopy may be done to determine the extent of the sinus issues.
  3. Patient may be prescribed medications such as antibiotics or steroids to manage symptoms before surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and instructions from the medical team.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room immediately after surgery.
  2. Patient may experience nasal congestion, mild pain, and fatigue in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is instructed on post-operative care including saline nasal irrigation, medications, and follow-up appointments.
  4. Patient may have packing or splints in the nose that will be removed by the surgeon after a few days.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may return to work within a week or two depending on the extent of the surgery.
  6. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any complications.
  7. Patient may experience improved breathing, reduced sinus infections, and overall better quality of life after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of sinus surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, what are they and how should I take them?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or activities I should follow?
  6. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities, such as work or exercise?
  7. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication or infection?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  9. Are there any dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes I should make during the recovery period?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of following sinus surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kühnel TS, Hosemann WG, Weber R. Journal: HNO. 2021 Jun;69(6):517-528. doi: 10.1007/s00106-021-01057-6. Epub 2021 May 3. PMID: 33942126