Goals: Address recurrent/chronic sinus infections, facial pain/pressure, headaches worsened by weather changes, nasal polyps/tumors. 

Risks: Bleeding (may require return to OR), scarring causing recurrence of symptoms, injury to nearby structures (eyes/vision, brain), CSF leaks requiring repair, loss of smell, nasal obstruction, need for revision surgery, need for chronic medical maintenance therapy. 

Typical Length: 30 – 90 min depending on severity of disease and number of sinuses to be addressed. 

Postoperative Care: 

• No nose blowing or sneezing through the nose (sneeze with your mouth open) for four weeks. 

• You have packing in your nose - this will dissolve over the next several weeks. It may be difficult to breathe through your nose until then. 

• You may have some bloody drainage from your nostrils over the next several days - use a drip pad as needed. Notify your doctor if you soak through more than 4 pads in 1 hour. 

• Notify your doctor of any worsening pain, fevers or foul smelling drainage 

• Facial pressure, ear pressure and discomfort with swallowing are possible during your recovery period. 

• Notify your doctor immediately for double vision, eye swelling, eye bruising, confusion, worsening headaches. 

• You will receive prescriptions (make sure to let your doctor know about any allergies) - for pain medicine (typically Percocet/oxycodone), antibiotics (typically Keflex/Cephalexin), nasal saline spray (i.e. Ocean), occasionally steroid pack may be included. Over the counter Afrin nasal spray can also be used if bleeding persists (3 sprays each nostril, up to 3 times per day, up to 3 days) 

Typical Postoperative Course: 

• Bloody nasal drainage is normal and usually resolves in 1–3 days. A gauze “mustache” dressing will be provided—change it as needed or stop using it if there is no drainage. 

• Common symptoms include nasal stuffiness, pressure, and discomfort for 5–7 days. 

• First follow-up: Around 1 week after surgery for initial sinus cavity cleaning. Most discomfort improves after this visit. 

• After 1st visit: Start Flonase once daily and NeilMed Sinus Rinse twice daily (always rinse before using Flonase). 

• Second follow-up: Usually 2 weeks later for additional cleaning. 

• Further visits: Based on your individual healing and symptoms.