Nasal Airway Surgery

• Ensuring that all members of you care team are aware of any allergies you have
• Following activity, dietary and lifestyle restrictions and recommendations before surgery and during recovery
• Informing your doctor or anesthesiologist if you are nursing or if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant
• Notifying your doctor immediately of any concerns, such as bleeding, fever, increase in pain, or nose or wound redness, swelling or drainage
• Taking your medications exactly as directed

How do I prepare for my nasal airway surgery?

You are a very important member of your own healthcare team. The steps you take before surgery can improve your outcome after the procedure. You can best prepare yourself for nasal airway surgery by:

• Answering all questions about your medical history and medications you take. This includes prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal treatments, and vitamins. It is a good idea to carry a current list of your medical conditions, medications, and allergies at all times.
• Arranging for a ride home from your surgery and for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Getting pre-operative testing as directed. Testing varies depending on your age, health, and specific procedure. Pre-operative testing may include X-rays, blood tests, and other tests as needed.
• If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about losing weight before the surgery through a healthy diet and exercise plan.
• Not eating or drinking just prior to surgery as directed. Your doctor may cancel your surgery if you eat or drink too close to the start of the procedure due to a risk of complications. These include choking on stomach contents during deep anesthesia.
• Stop smoking as soon as possible. Even quitting for just a few days can be helpful.
• Taking or stopping medications exactly as directed. For nasal airway surgery, this may include not taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and blood thinners.

Questions to ask your doctor

Facing surgery can be stressful. It is common for patients to forget some of their questions during a doctor’s office visit. You may also think of other questions after your appointment. You should contact your doctor when questions come up before surgery or between appointments. It is also a good idea to bring a list of questions to your pre-operative appointments. Questions can include:

• Why do I need nasal airway surgery? Are there any other options for treating my condition?
• Which type of nasal airway surgery procedure will I need?
• How long will the surgery take? When can I go home?
• What restrictions will I have after the surgery? When can I expect to return to work and other activities?
• What kind of assistance will I need at home?
• What medications will I need before and after the surgery?
• How will you manage my pain?
• How should I contact you? When should I see you in follow-up? Ask for numbers to call during and after regular office hours.

What can I expect after my nasal airway surgery?

Knowing what to expect can help make your road to recovery after nasal airway surgery as smooth as possible.

How long will it take to recover?

After surgery, you will stay briefly in the recovery room until your vital signs are stable. You will probably go home on the same day if you are recovering well. Someone will need to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery.

Recovery after surgery is a gradual process. How long it will take for you to recover and return to normal activities varies depending on the specific procedure, type of anesthesia used, your general health, age, and other factors.

You may need to wear a nose splint for a few days to a week after your surgery. You may also have packing in your nose for a few days after surgery. You should not touch the nasal packing unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Notify your doctor if it is uncomfortable.

You may have some swelling or bruising around the nose and eyes. This should gradually disappear over a couple of weeks. You may also have some nasal drainage and bleeding. Your doctor will tell you how much drainage or bleeding to expect and how much is abnormal based on your specific procedure.