Our Summary

The article is a review of recent research on the use of strong painkillers, known as opioids, after sinus surgery. The findings show that doctors are prescribing too many of these drugs for a surgery that isn’t very painful. This could lead to people using or becoming addicted to these drugs when they don’t need to. The article concludes by suggesting that large, well-organized studies need to be done to determine if these painkillers are even necessary after sinus surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the main concern regarding the use of opioids after sinus surgery?
  2. Are opioids necessary for pain management after sinus surgery, according to the research?
  3. Why does the article suggest that more studies need to be done on the use of painkillers after sinus surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about sinus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed pain medication only as needed and as directed. It is important to communicate any concerns about pain management with your healthcare provider to ensure you are receiving the appropriate level of pain relief without unnecessary use of strong painkillers. Additionally, using alternative methods such as ice packs, nasal saline rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage discomfort without the need for opioids.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended sinus surgery typically include those who have chronic sinusitis that has not improved with other treatments, such as medication or nasal sprays. Other patients who may be recommended for sinus surgery include those with nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or structural abnormalities in the sinuses that are causing recurrent sinus infections or difficulty breathing. Additionally, patients who have sinus headaches, facial pain, or other symptoms that are significantly impacting their quality of life may also be candidates for sinus surgery.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Consultation with an ENT specialist to discuss symptoms and treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery.
  3. Undergoing sinus surgery to address chronic sinusitis or other sinus-related issues.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative recovery in a hospital or surgical center.
  2. Pain management with prescribed medications, including opioids if necessary.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any complications.
  4. Gradual improvement in symptoms and sinus function over time.
  5. Return to normal activities and daily routine as healing progresses.

It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and communicate any concerns or issues during the recovery process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sinus surgery?
  2. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of sinus surgery?
  3. What is the recovery process like after sinus surgery?
  4. Are there alternative treatment options to surgery for sinus issues?
  5. How long will I need to take painkillers after sinus surgery?
  6. What are the potential side effects and risks of taking opioids for pain management after sinus surgery?
  7. Are there non-opioid pain management options available for post-operative pain?
  8. How can I prevent or manage potential addiction to painkillers after sinus surgery?
  9. How will my pain be monitored and managed during the recovery process?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after sinus surgery to promote healing and prevent complications?

Reference

Authors: Karkos PD, Constantinidis J. Journal: Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Feb 1;29(1):27-30. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000679. PMID: 33337609