How to Prepare for Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is a common form of surgery and one that can offer huge benefits for people who are experiencing chronic sinus issues. However, like all forms of surgery, there are a few preparatory steps you may want to take to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process.

Discuss the procedure with your doctor

One of the major causes for nerves prior to surgery is a lack of understanding of what will actually happen. To alleviate this, ask your doctor to detail the entire process – from the moment you’ll arrive at the hospital or clinic to the point where you will leave – for you. This can be hugely reassuring and ensure you know exactly what to expect when the day arrives.

Take time off work

It is important to note that the degree of preparation required for sinus surgery will very much depend on the type of surgery you are scheduled to undergo. The vast majority of modern sinus surgery is done using an endoscope via a process known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). This type of surgery is noninvasive and will result in only mild discomfort, so you may only need to take a short period off work and can usually expect to able to fully return to your normal routine within two weeks.

However, if you are scheduled to have a Caldwell-Luc operation, your preparation will likely require a higher degree of time off work and recovery time, as this form of surgery is more invasive. We suggest that you discuss this with your ear, nose and throat doctor to learn what you should expect if undergoing this form of sinus surgery.

Stop smoking

Your doctor will ask you to stop smoking at least three weeks prior to the surgery and to refrain from smoking for at least a month when the surgery is completed.

Consult your doctor about medications

You will be advised to stop taking some forms of medication prior to surgery; aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, for example, can increase bleeding and should be avoided for at least two weeks. You should also stop taking herbal supplements such as garlic, as these too can increase bleeding.

In addition to ceasing some medications, you will also usually be prescribed medication to take before the surgery. Your doctor will usually prescribe an anti-inflammatory and it may be helpful to set up a reminder on your phone so you remember to take these every day.

Fast after midnight

If the surgery will be performed under local anesthetic, you should avoid eating or drinking prior to midnight on the day before your surgery. If the surgery will be performed while you are under general anesthetic, you must fast and avoid drinking after midnight to ensure a safe surgery experience.

If you have any questions relating to when you are able to eat, your ear, nose and throat doctor will be able to guide you further.

Approval from your general practitioner

In some cases, you may be required to obtain approval for the surgery from your general practitioner. Your ear, nose and throat doctor will be able to advise you if this in the case.

Hopefully following the tips above will ensure you are able to prepare for your sinus surgery safely and effectively, allowing you to be as ready as possible, and enjoy a sense of peace of mind throughout the process.